Engines from local companies respond to a large warehouse fire in the center of downtown Gridley last Thursday, August 1. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Mid-morning Thursday, Aug. 1, a plume of black toxic smoke rose from the heart of Gridley’s downtown area.

The large metal building at 775 Sycamore St., which sits along the railroad tracks south of Daddow Park, was in flames and quickly going up.

CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department was on scene within minutes, followed by EMTs. Meanwhile, Gridley Police Department shut down roads in the area and redirected traffic.

The Gridley Post Office, along with nearby businesses and apartments, were evacuated due to the potential hazards that could be caused by the blaze. Large explosions were heard within the building as fuel sources succumbed to the flames.

Per procedure when any fire threatens the railways, Union Pacific shut down the railroad tracks until it was safe to resume rail traffic.

A large crowd of onlookers gathered to watch the blaze. The rancid smoke that billowed from the building filled an already smokey sky, courtesy of the Park Fire.

Witnesses told the Herald that the fire started while two men were working on an RV. The vehicle backfired, according to the witnesses, who told Gridley Police Department officers that the individual working on the vehicle sustained burns to a hand and sought medical attention.

Destroyed vehicles, tanks and equipment can been seen in the aftermath of the fire. Photo by Seti Long

The Yeti Company, a local heating and air conditioning/HVAC company shared that they had recently leased the north side of the building for storage. Brandon Meyer told the Herald that he had recently moved vehicles and other equipment inside, which were lost in the blaze.

Engines from Oroville, Paradise, Chico and Robinsons Mill, in addition to Biggs and Richvale companies, responded to the call. There was a sense of urgency to contain the blaze and keep it from local businesses and the dilapidated buildings to the south that are often home to vagrants and have also sustained fire damage.

CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department could not confirm the cause of the fire as of Wednesday morning or if there were any injured parties but said the incident is under investigation.