Blaze at Pick-n-Pull investigated as arson
Local arson investigators are looking into a fire that took place late Saturday afternoon at the Pick-n-Pull auto yard on Highway 29.
Dark clouds of smoke could be seen for miles on the clear, sunny Saturday when flames broke out. According to Captain Max Etchieson of the American Canyon Fire Department, crews were notified of the blaze at 5:11 p.m., and remained at the scene for three hours until the fire was cleared.
Pick-n-Pull representatives declined to comment. As of Sunday, March 15, Pick-n-Pull was operating at normal hours, without apparent disruption to business operations.
Etchieson said that 13 cars “in various states of dismantling” were damaged in the fire — potentially a loss of thousands of dollars for the business, which purchases abandoned and totaled cars, providing parts for sale to mechanics and those working on cars.
No structures were damaged in the fire, and no injuries were recorded. The fire happened on gravel in the auto yard, and no wildlife was threatened.
Arson investigations don’t always point to criminal causes, but, Etchieson said, there are “not very many [where] we call in the arson investigators.” When there is significant property damage at a business, it is standard for arson investigators to conduct an investigation.
The fire brought crews from all over the region: Two fire engines and a battalion chief from Napa County Fire Department, two engines from American Canyon Fire Department and One engine from Vallejo Fire.
