The Turlock Fire Department was called out to two structure fires over the last week that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and left seven people displaced from their homes.

The first fire was reported at 10:24 p.m. on Dec. 26 at a home on Clinton Road, near the cross street of W. Main Street.

Squad 32 was the first to arrive at the scene. The firefighters found a two-story home engulfed in flames. 

A water tender from the Turlock Rural Fire Department had been requested while en route to the scene. Additionally, several more engines, water tenders and an additional battalion chief responded to the area. 

“Despite other large-scale incidents occurring simultaneously across the county, the resource sharing agreement ensured an immediate and robust response to protect our community,” the fire department stated.

Access to the side of the home where the fire appeared to originate was limited and crews had to operate in defensive mode.

The resident arrived at the scene and informed the firefighters that no other people or pets were in the home. The damage to the home was estimated at $400,000, according to the fire department.

The second house fire happened just after 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the 1100 block of Colorado Avenue. The first crews found heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the unit. 

Crews were able to keep the fire to the room of origin and brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes.

Six people from the apartment unit were displaced because of damage. The Red Cross was assisting the residents.

The cause for both fires remains under investigation.