Grass fire near Chowchilla destroys farm structures

FRESNO, Calif. -- Firefighters are investigating the cause of a grass fire that erupted near Chowchilla.

The 15-acre grass fire started off Road 19 and Avenue 25 Sunday afternoon.

Investigators said an outbuilding where bee hives were stored burned to the ground.

Several pigs also died.

At one point, seven to eight homes were in danger but crews were able to contain it fairly quickly.

"Probably have an engine on standby throughout the night to make sure all the hot spots are put out and everyone can go to bed safely," Madera City Fire Batt. Chief James Forga said.

Fire crews said winds and low staffing levels made the fire fight challenging.