Fireworks from party spark fire at Madera County salvage yard

Illegal fireworks shot off at a party south of Madera Saturday night sparked a grass fire at a wrecking yard, causing at least $20,000 in damages to vehicles, a building and its contents, Madera County Cal Fire reported.

The fireworks ignited dry grass near Smith’s Wrecking Yard on Road 29, north of Avenue 12 south of Madera, around 11 p.m., said Battalion Chief Matthew Watson. He said more than 100 cars caught fire and miscellaneous refrigerators were destroyed. Part of the building that burned contained $20,000 of precious metals, he said.

Extinguishing the fire was complicated by the lack of nearby hydrants, he said. Madera County fire crews were assisted by engines from Madera and Fresno fire departments. Workers from Talley Transportation, located down the street, helped separate salvageable vehicles from the burning cars, Watson said.

The fire was contained about 5 a.m Sunday with no injuries reported.

This story was originally published July 31, 2016 at 8:16 PM with the headline "Fireworks from party spark fire at Madera County salvage yard."