Denair appliance store goes up in flames Wednesday evening

On Wednesday, May 26th, 2021, at approximately 7:05 pm, the Denair Fire Protection District received a call of a working structure fire at A&R Appliances located at 3748 N Santa Fe Ave in the community of Denair. Units from the Denair, Turlock Rural, Keyes, and Hughson Fire Protection Districts were dispatched as well as a member of the Stanislaus Fire Investigation Unit.

While responding, Denair Chief 1 saw a large column of smoke from about 3 miles away and called for a second alarm. This brought in units from the Turlock Fire Department as well as units from the Mountain View, Westport, and Burbank Paradise Fire Protection Districts. Denair Chief 1 arrived on scene shortly after to find a commercial structure fully involved with exposures threatened. He assumed command and requested an aerial to respond which caused Stanislaus Consolidated Quint 22 to be dispatched along with Modesto Battalion 5.

When crews began arriving on scene they immediately began attacking the fire in the defensive strategy. Crews were able to bring the fire under control after a while and switched to the offensive strategy upon doing so. They were able to get the fire completely out shortly after that.

The fire was contained to the one structure, which was declared a total loss. The estimated value of the loss is approximately $300,000. American Medical Response responded to provide firefighter and patient care, while the California Highway Patrol responded to provide traffic control. Additionally, 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 the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit at 209-525-5537 or by email at info@stanfiu.org.