On Thursday, December 17th, 2020, at approximately 11:00 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of a working structure fire in the 1400 block of Merritt St. The caller reported that there were smoke and flames in their garage and that everything was burning. Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34 were dispatched as well as Ceres Battalion 3 and Ceres Engine 16 per a resource sharing agreement. Additionally, Turlock Rural Fire Protection District was tasked with providing coverage to the city while this incident was on-going.

Battalion 4 and Engine 31 arrived on scene at approximately 11:05 pm. Battalion 4 reported a fully involved detached garage fire. Battalion 4 assumed command in the offensive strategy. Others units began arriving on scene and assisting Engine 31 with fire attack as well as setting up a water supply. Fire crews forced entry into the garage with a chainsaw to reach the fire. The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:25 pm and fully extinguished shortly thereafter. Ceres units were cancelled while responding and Squad 32 was cleared shortly after arriving on scene.

After a short while, most units began clearing, leaving Battalion 4 and Engine 31 on scene to conduct various after fire activities. Turlock Irrigation District as well as Pacific Gas and Electric responded to secure utilities. American Medical Response was on scene to provide patient care to the residents or firefighters if needed, however, no one was injured during this fire and the residents were not displaced due to the fire never reaching the house thanks to the quick response of the Turlock Fire Department.

The Fire Marshal responded to conduct an investigation. No cause has yet been determined. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119 or by email at MGomez@turlock.ca.us.