Firefighters were able to battle back a blaze that had ignited in a backyard shed before it caused too much damage to a residence.

The fire was reported shortly after 10:30 a.m. Sunday at a home in the 1400 block of N. Tully Road. The fire originated in a packed storage shed and was spreading to the residence when the first fire crews arrived.

Turlock Fire Chief Robert Talloni said the fire had created “a large column of black smoke that could be seen from miles away.”

One team of firefighters entered the residence and began extinguishing the flames that were creeping in, while another tackled the shed, which was fully engulfed, according to the fire department.

The fire completely destroyed the shed and caused damage to the rear of the home, an electric pole and a fence separating the property from the neighbor’s yard.

“The first arriving engine company was able to stretch two hose lines to the rear of the residence,” Talloni said. “The first line was used for fire attack and extinguishment. The second line for exposure protection saving the back of the home and the neighbor’s property.”

Five Turlock Fire engines, one battalion chief, and the Turlock Fire Chief, along with a Ceres Fire engine and battalion chief all responded to the scene for a total of 19 personnel. The Turlock Rural Fire Department provided city coverage during the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The occupants were not displaced and were able to return to the home, according to the fire department.