Fire Ravages California Strip Mall

A fire that damaged 16 businesses at a Woodland strip mall early Tuesday appears to be accidental, fire officials said. Authorities said the blaze, which was reported at about 2:15 a.m., broke out in an attic above a deli at West Main and California streets. The blaze quickly traveled along the building, damaging a day spa, barbershop and other businesses. A fire official said the complex had no sprinkler system. Shop owners were at the scene soon after the fire was out to salvage what they could. Businesswoman Bertha Torres said she was glad nobody was injured, adding that she plans to reopen her business as soon as she can. Firefighters had to take a defensive position when fighting the blaze out of fear the roof would collapse. A fire official at the scene said solar panels on the roof made it difficult for firefighters to punch holes in the roof to ventilate the blaze. More than five hours after the initial call, a few flames could still be seen burning from the roof.