A barbecue left on in a backyard is believed to have sparked a Sunday evening fire that spread quickly and heavily damaged three homes on Roth Court, displaced residents, and left several animals dead.

Turlock Fire Department crews were dispatched at 6:44 p.m. Sunday to the 2000 block of Roth Court where they encountered intense flames engulfing one house and spreading to neighboring residences. Given the scope of the blaze—three structures burning—fire officials issued a second alarm to bring in additional resources.

A total of nine engine companies, two truck companies, three battalion chiefs, two fire investigators, Medic 1, three AMR units, and two command staff responded to the scene.

Firefighters gained control of the blaze within an hour, but not before significant damage was done to the primary home. The houses on either side also sustained damage, though fire crews were able to prevent flames from breaching the interiors. All residents of those homes were able to return after operations concluded.

Three individuals from the main home were displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting them with temporary shelter. Tragically, several chickens housed in a coop in the backyard of the main residence died in the blaze.

“The radiant heat and the fire spread ultimately got to the chickens,” said Capt. Jason Bernard, public information officer for Turlock Fire.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze. Both were transported to area hospitals, treated, and released.

Fire officials have ruled the blaze accidental in nature, with evidence pointing to a backyard barbecue that had not been properly turned off. An estimate of the total damage has not yet been released.