On Friday, April 9th, 2021, at approximately 9:25 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of a working structure fire at an old warehouse located at 311 S First St. The Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34 responded along with the Ceres Fire Department’s Battalion 3 and Engine 15.

While responding, Battalion 4 saw a large column in the sky and upgraded the call to a working commercial structure fire which added Ceres Engine 18 and Modesto Truck 1. Battalion 4 arrived on scene about a minute later to find a fully involved warehouse. He assumed command and had crews begin fire attack in the defensive strategy.

The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished shortly thereafter. Crews remained on scene for an extended period of time conducting overhaul and investigation. Ceres Engine 18 was reassigned to city coverage and Modesto Truck 1 was released. Prior to Ceres Engine 18 being reassigned, the Turlock Rural Fire Protection District provided city coverage. American Medical Response responded to the scene to provide firefighter care while the Turlock Irrigation District responded along with Pacific Gas and Electric to secure utilities.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119 or by email at MGomez@turlock.ca.us.