Wind-swept fire burns structures

High north winds pushed a raging fire through structures, dry grass, wood pallets, vehicles and tires along Highway 99W just north of Finnel Avenue on Wednesday.

The fire apparently started when dry grass was ignited while someone was mowing in the heat of the day, said CalFire Public Information Officer Kevin Colburn.

City, county and CalFire firefighters were called out to the blaze at 12:25 p.m.

"I came out and saw all this smoke and ran right back into my house to call 911," said Julie Johnson, who lives in a mobile home on the property at 5641 Highway 99W, where the fire started in a field.

Four structures, including two occupied mobile homes, were destroyed by the fire, as were at least 12 vehicles, Colburn said.

"There were four civilians who received minor injuries," he stated, "possibly while trying to protect homes and other structures."

The fire burned 20 acres of dry brush, hundreds of wooden pallets, and a pile of tires continued to burn late Wednesday afternoon.

According to CalFire Capt. Steve Estes, eight engines, four water tenders, two fire crews, a bulldozer, six supervisors and one helicopter were dispatched to the blaze.

Firefighters and equipment from the Corning Volunteer Fire Department also worked the fire.

Fire crews were able to save other structures in the area, including Richfield Feed, a home next to the feed store and Lok-Tite mini storage.

Colburn said the fire was contained at Finnel Avenue and firefighters had it under control by 3 p.m.