On Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of a grass fire behind the In-Shape Health Club located at 2710 Geer Rd. The initial alarm dispatched Engine 33 and Engine 34, however, shortly after, the incident was upgraded to a potential structure fire due to the volume of calls received as well as its proximity to a structure at a neighboring apartment complex. This added Battalion 4 and Engine 31 to the response. Chief 3 also responded to investigate.

Shortly before 3:35 pm, Engine 33 arrived on scene. They reported a grass fire, about a quarter of an acre in size, with no immediate exposures threatened, however, slowly bumping up against the back of Walnut Woods Apartments. Captain 33 assumed Geer command and had his firefighter begin fire attack with a front bucket line. He had Engine 34 continue on scene to assist with fire attack and Engine 31 to check for exposures to Walnut Woods Apartments.

The fire was knocked down and then extinguished shortly after. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, however, is being investigated as an arson. A possible suspect description was provided by a transient living in the area. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-668-5580 or by email at MGomez@turlock.ca.us.