Four people had an unusual interruption to their Saturday afternoon when Turlock firefighters arrived at their front door and told them to leave the residence because of a fire burning in their backyard.
The four residents made it out safely and firefighters were able to stop the blaze from doing any major damage to the home.
The fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. Saturday at a home in the 500 block of W. Springer Avenue. The Turlock Fire Department initially received reports of smoke in the area and when the first firefighters arrived they found a moderate amount of black smoke coming from the backyard and garage vents. The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire and additional engines were dispatched to the scene.
The fire was burning on an exterior wall of the attached garage and was encroaching into the inside of it through a window, said Turlock Fire spokesman Capt. Kevin Tidwell.
“Turlock Firefighters took quick action to investigate the fire, evacuate four occupants who weren’t aware of the fire, secure utilities, and get several hose lines stretched for attack and supply,” Tidwell said. “Firefighters extinguished the fire on the exterior of the garage and ensured that the fire did not spread into the rest of the residence.”
The main damage from the flames was contained to the exterior of the garage, with only minor damage done to the home. The residents were not displaced.
The Turlock Fire Department responded to the incident with three Engines, Squad 32, and a Battalion Chief for a total of 13 personnel. Turlock Irrigation District, Pacific Gas and Electric and American Medical Response were also on scene to secure utilities and provide firefighter rehab. Turlock Rural Fire Department provided city coverage while crews were committed to the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire should contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at  669-2119 or mgomez@turlock.ca.us.