A fire broke out Saturday at the traveling circus that was visiting Los Banos, shutting down family fun for the bulk of the five-day event. No one was hurt in the blaze.
The Los Banos Fire Department received a report of a fire at 10:30 a.m. at the Los Banos Fairgrounds at 403 F St. The Merced County facility was hosting Circus Alegria, which had booked the facility for shows Aug. 14 through Monday.
The fire started in the circus’s main equipment facility, known as the Guerilla Trailer, and spread to the circus tent, said Los Banos Deputy Fire Marshal Eric Gallichio.
Gallichio said circus personnel utilized fire extinguishers to battle the blaze until firefighters arrived.
He said that upon arrival, the fire department was able to make sure the fire was completely out. Gallichio said the department had three engines and 12 personnel at the Los Banos Fairgrounds’ carnival area, where the fire took place.
Gallichio said he spoke with the owner of the traveling circus, and he estimated the blaze caused about $150,000 in damage to circus property.
The circus owner, Gallichio said, also believes his business lost $50,000 to $70,000 in revenue because the fire forced it to shut down after only two days of its planned five-day run. Gallichio said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Los Banos Fairgrounds is known as a frequent gathering place for Los Banos residents. It annually puts on the Merced County Spring Fair and hosts several different events throughout the year, including the traveling circus and various festivals.
