Firefighters investigating massive blaze at Chowchilla auto parts store

Firefighters responded early Wednesday morning to a fire at a Carquest Auto Parts/Chowchilla Auto Parts store at 41 Robertson Blvd. in Chowchilla, off 1st Street.

One firefighter was treated for possible smoke inhalation. No additional injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Battalion Chief Fred Gaumnitz of the Chowchilla Fire Department said firefighters responded to the scene after being called around 3 a.m.

The building is around 10,000 square feet, and it took around two to three hours to gain control of the blaze. There was also oil, fuel, and other chemicals inside the building, though none drained into the street.

Damage to the building is estimated at around $1 million. A total of 20 firefighters responded to the scene. Madera County Fire Department/Cal Fire and firefighters from Central California Women’s Facility provided assistance.

Traffic on part of Robertson Boulevard was closed while investigators processed the scene.

This story was originally published February 5, 2020 at 12:02 PM with the headline "Firefighters investigating massive blaze at Chowchilla auto parts store."