A fire at a vacant Turlock home is being investigated by the Turlock Fire Department as a possible arson.

The blaze, which was limited to the front entrance of the home, caused an estimated $10,000 in damage, according to the fire department.

The fire was reported at 6:48 a.m. Sunday by a Turlock Police officer who noticed a large, black column of smoke coming from a residence in the 1700 block of Homer Way, north of W. Main Street.

The front door of the home was completely engulfed in flames and the fire was spreading to the eaves when the first fire engine arrived at the scene.

The fire was brought under control in 10 minutes. Three engines and 11 firefighters were used to fight the flames. It took about two hours to completely extinguish the fire and secure the scene.

The point of origin was traced to the front door. According to the fire department, a newspaper and some form of accelerant were used to ignite the blaze at the front door. The same tactic was used at the back of the house, but failed to ignite, the fire department reported.

The home is believed to be bank-owned and controlled by Great Central Realty.

Anyone with information about the fire should contact the fire department at 668-5580.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.