The Turlock Fire Department responded to a blaze Friday night that destroyed a garage and charred other parts of the home, forcing the family to find other accommodations during the holiday.

The fire was reported shortly before 6 p.m. Friday at a home in the 1000 block of El Paseo Drive.

The first fire crews to arrive at the home found flames and heavy smoke pouring from the garage and encroaching on the residence. Crews began attacking the fire, while other firefighters conducted a search of the residence and rescued one cat and several reptiles, according to the fire department.

The heavy fire conditions coming from the garage were of the greatest concern to the firefighters, said Turlock Fire Chief Robert Talloni. The firefighters cut two offensive ventilation holes in the roof allowing smoke and superheated gases to clear and laid out three hoses to combat the flames. The first two lines were used for fire attack and extinguishment. The third line was used for exposure protection, saving a detached garage and a boat.

The aerial ladder on Truck 31 was used to gain access to the collapsing garage roof as it could not be accessed from the ground due to the failing rafters, the fire department reported. There was major fire damage to the attached garage, one bedroom and the laundry room with minor damage to the rest of the residence.

Collectively, the Turlock Fire Department responded with four Engines, one Battalion Chief and the Division Chief of Operations. The Ceres Fire Department provided assistance, responding with two Engines and a Battalion Chief bringing the total to 22 firefighters on scene. Turlock Rural Fire and a third Ceres Fire engine provided city coverage while all Turlock City resources were committed to the scene. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the residents and rescued animals, as the home was deemed uninhabitable.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.