By Greg Welter
The Chico Enterprise-Record (California)
CHICO, Calif. — Flames that threatened three commercial buildings quickly blackened about 20 acres along a one-mile stretch of Highway 99 near Cana Highway Wednesday afternoon.
Cal Fire-Butte County Battalion Chief Greg McFadden said the fire started at 4:30 p.m. near Nord Cana Highway.
Flames, whipped by heavy north winds, burned within yards of Centerfolds, Biker Bob's and a painting contractor, but good clearance around the buildings saved them from harm.
Several fence posts and some utility poles along 99 frontage caught fire and will have to be replaced.
McFadden said motorists had stopped and were trying to put out the flames near the start of the blaze when fire crews arrived. He applauded their efforts, but said any evidence showing how the fire may have started was obliterated.
Heavy smoke from the fire caused traffic on 99 to slow to a crawl, with some motorists pulling off the road completely for fear the smoke would worsen.
Wind pushed embers across 99 in front of Centerfolds, touching off a spot fire that was quickly extinguished.
Several Cal Fire engine companies, two bulldozers, a tanker plane and a helicopter contained the blaze in about 30 minutes.
Firefighters also battled small blazes this afternoon near Mud Creek and West Sacramento Avenue, and at Dayton Road near Stanley Avenue.
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