Multiple fires broke out on the same block in downtown Bakersfield on Saturday, one in the early morning and the other in the afternoon, decimating local businesses in their wake.
The first erupted on the northeast corner of 20th Street and Chester Avenue, causing significant damage to two establishments including renowned downtown restaurant Tina Marieâs Cafe.
According to Bakersfield Fire Department Public Information Officer Michael Walkley, the department received a call at 2:11 a.m., and when firefighters arrived, there was heavy fire that was âinvolved into a free burning stage.â
âMassive,â Walkley said. âVery accelerated and fully developed.â
It took the Bakersfield Fire Department about two hours to get the blaze under control.