Best Western fire causes $350,000 in damages

Firefighters in training exercises at the soon-to-be-demolished Movies 8 theater in Yuba City responded Saturday to a blaze at the Best Western Bonanza Inn that resulted in no injuries and benefited from the nearby fire crews.

"We were able to use some of the techniques we were training on," Battalion Chief John Limas of the Yuba City Fire Department said of forcible entry and commercial roof ventilation efforts. "We were fortunate to have the extra resources in town."

Units from the Marysville and Gridley fire departments helped fight the 2:18 p.m. fire that began in a second-story maintenance room at the motel.

Damage from the fire was estimated at $350,000. The cause is under investigation.

Limas said strong winds at 15 to 25 mph complicated firefighting efforts.

Michael Smith, 44, working on a remodel of the motel, said he was on the first floor when he called 9-1-1 to report the fire.

"I looked at the room and saw smoke out the back of an air conditioner," Smith said. "I put my hand on that door. It didn't feel hot, but I didn't want to go in there."

Eight rooms near the fire were evacuated with 20 people moving to a different part of the motel.

A woman who was staying at the motel said the front office called her room to alert her about the fire and that a man then knocked on the door.

Another guest, Patty Wood, in Yuba City for the 75th birthday party Monday of her mother, said she expects the event will be able to continue as planned.