A fire of undetermined origin caused significant damage to a Turlock residence, charring two trees and a fence in the process, the Turlock Fire Department reported.
There were no injuries reported from the fire, though it did leave one person displaced from their home.
The fire department was dispatched to the 800 block of S. Minaret Street just after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for what was initially reported as a fence on fire. The first crews to arrive found that not only was a fence on fire, but a home and two large palm trees on an adjacent lot were ablaze.
The flames from the residence were encroaching on a second home and firefighters had to make a quick defensive attack to keep the fire from spreading. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the primary building by using a deck gun to deliver high volumes of water and large hoses, said Turlock Fire spokesman Capt. Kevin Tidwell.
The firefighters then transitioned to an offensive attack and began searching the two residences.
“Fire crews worked nonstop to knock down the high flames on the exterior of the structure to prevent further fire spread to adjoining structures,” said Turlock Fire Chief Robert Talloni. “Once done, an aggressive interior attack was made.”
The fire was brought under control in just under 20 minutes with crews remaining on-scene for a total of three hours for overhaul, mop up, and investigation related activities.
The primary residence had extensive damage from the fire burning unchecked before the emergency call was made. The two adjoining residences had minor to moderate damage, leaving one person displaced.
Turlock City Fire responded with three engines, Squad 32, one battalion chief and the Turlock City Chief of the Department. Ceres Fire Department provided assistance with one engine company and a battalion chief. Additional responding agencies included American Medical Response, Turlock Irrigation District and Pacific Gas and Electric. Turlock Rural Fire Department provided city coverage throughout the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Any information regarding this incident should be directed to Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 669-2119 or mgomez@turlock.ca.us.
