MANTECA, CA — A fire tore through two homes on Willow Avenue near downtown Manteca Monday afternoon, leaving destruction in its wake and injuring a firefighter who was rushed to the hospital with heat exhaustion.
Flames Engulf Two Homes and Nearby Structures
The Manteca Police Department reported that first responders arrived shortly before 3:30 p.m. to find two homes fully engulfed in flames, along with a structure behind one of the houses. One of the homes was vacant at the time.
Steven Beerman, spokesperson for Manteca police, also confirmed that firefighters discovered a fourth structure that had already burned to the ground near the scene.
Firefighters Race to Contain Blaze, Protect Nearby Businesses
Fire crews worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby commercial building housing an auto body and paint shop. Fortunately, all employees inside that building were able to evacuate safely without injury.
Despite the intensity of the fire, firefighters managed to keep the flames from reaching any other homes or businesses in the area.
Firefighter Hospitalized, No Other Injuries Reported
During the battle to control the blaze, one firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Police reported no other injuries from the incident.
Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours after the initial call, working to fully extinguish the flames and secure the area.
Damage Includes Electrical Transformer, Cause Still Under Investigation
In addition to the homes and structures destroyed, an electrical transformer located behind one of the houses was severely damaged by the fire.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, with no official determination made yet.
Local Resident Shares Experience
Yessika Valdez, a neighbor who had just moved into the area, recalled her experience witnessing the fire.
“I was already outside and smelled wood burning. There was a lot of smoke, and I could see flames inside a shed,” she said. “It was scary to see the fire so close, but I’m grateful no one else got hurt.”
Community Support and Next Steps
The community is rallying around those affected by the fire as cleanup and recovery efforts begin.
Officials have not released details on how the displaced residents will be assisted but urge anyone with information about the fire’s origin to contact local authorities.
This fire serves as a reminder of the dangers residents and first responders face, and the bravery of firefighters who risk their lives to keep neighborhoods safe.
If you live in the area and have photos or information related to the fire, please share them with the Manteca Police Department to aid ongoing investigations.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
