House catches fire while illegal fireworks were still being launched early Wednesday morning

On Wednesday, July 5th, 2023, at 1:15 am, the Turlock Fire Department, Modesto Fire Department, Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence in the 800 block of N Berkeley Ave, Turlock.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy fire involvement from a single-story single-family dwelling that appeared to be vacant and under construction.

Due to the heavy fire conditions, firefighters began fire attack in the defensive strategy, meaning they battled the fire from the outside and tried to prevent it from spreading elsewhere as there was no point in trying to save the house.

Despite hazardous conditions, including a live power line that began arcing, firefighters were able to knock the fire down within 30 minutes.

After the fire was knocked down, firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time conducting overhaul and other post-fire activities.

The Turlock Irrigation District and Pacific Gas and Electric Company responded to the scene to secure utilities, while the Modesto Fire Department provided city coverage for the duration of the incident.

The cause and origin of the fire remain unknown, however, illegal fireworks were still being launched at the hour that this fire occurred so there’s a decent possibility that’s what caused it.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit at 209-525-5537.

In addition to this fire, the Turlock Fire Department responded to 10 others within the city between 6:00 pm on July 4th and when this fire occurred. They include:

• 7:21 pm, vegetation fire, N Tully Rd and Shadow Park Dr
• 9:06 pm, vegetation fire, 600 block of W Main St
• 9:16 pm, vegetation fire, W Linwood Ave and S Walnut Rd
• 9:29 pm, vegetation fire, 4100 block of McKenna Dr
• 9:33 pm, vegetation fire, Dancer Way and N Olive Ave
• 9:58 pm, vegetation fire, 4000 block of McKenna Dr
• 10:35 pm, dumpster fire, 1400 block of Colorado Ave
• 10:41 pm, dumpster fire, 1400 block of Colorado Ave
• 10:37 pm, vegetation fire, 100 block of E Glenwood Ave
• 11:38 pm, dumpster fire, 3500 block of Crowell Rd

We also know that the Turlock Police Department issued at least nine administrative citations for illegal fireworks during those same hours, however, are still waiting for the finalized numbers.