Witnesses told California firefighters that a passing semi truck sparked a fire that damaged or destroyed dozens of vehicles at a CarMax lot yesterday.
The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24, in Bakersfield, California.
The Bakersfield Fire Department says that multiple grass fires were reported along Highway 99. Eyewitnesses told authorities that the fire was caused by a semi truck dragging something — possibly a chain — along the road, according to a report from TurnTo23.
Firefighters say that one of these grass fires spread to a CarMax lot located in the 9800 block of Colony Street, completely destroying 26 vehicles and damaging another 60 vehicles.
No injuries were reported.
The CarMax location was evacuated while firefighters worked to control the blaze.
The total damage caused at the CarMax is estimated at $2.1 million.
According to a report from The Drive, the California Highway Patrol has been unable to corroborate eyewitness accounts about the semi truck that reportedly started the fire and therefore they are not actively seeking the truck driver.
The incident remains under investigation.
