Crews Battling Store Blaze in California

July 11, 2006
Highways near the Ross store in Roseville have been shut down as the massive blaze continues.

Fire crews are battling a blaze at a Roseville department store.

The fire at the Ross store at Roseville Square was first reported just before 11 a.m. and has gone to multiple alarms. Units from the Roseville, Sacramento Metro, South Placer and Rocklin fire departments have responded.

"We have at least 10 fire engines and two ladder trucks on scene and we have no reported injuries at this point," Roseville Fire Department spokesman Dennis Mathisen said.

Authorities said the blaze may have begun in a storage room in the rear of the store and has been contained to the Ross store.

Tim Ballard, who said he was working on the lights inside the store when the fire broke out, told KCRA 3 that he suspected sparks from welders working behind the store may have ignited cardboard in the back of the building.

Authorities later confirmed that welders were working behind the store when the fire started and that they are investigating that as a possible cause.

Fire officials also said that the store was built before sprinkers were required and did not have a fire sprinkler system.

The Roseville Police Department has shut down Harding Boulevard between Douglas Boulevard and Lead Hill Road. The California Highway Patrol is shutting down the westbound Douglas Boulevard exit from Interstate 80.

Authorities said motorists and bystanders are strongly urged to avoid the area.

Copyright 2006 by KCRA.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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