A residence on the 1600 block of Concord Avenue in Modesto was the site of a severe house fire early this morning. Flames and heavy smoke were already engulfing the building when firefighters arrived, according to a statement from the Modesto Fire Department Facebook page.
With the situation rapidly escalating to the adjacent house, Modesto Fire Department called for a second alarm. This resulted in the dispatch of seven engines and a variety of other personnel including two battalion chiefs, the Deputy Chief of Operations, and even the Fire Chief. Having engulfed two houses, firefighters were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Modesto Police, American Medical Response, and the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit also at the scene, contributed to traffic control and standby medical services.
The aftermath of the event revealed a tragedy; one person was found dead among the ruin of one of the houses. While the fire's cause is still under investigation by the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit, we currently hold no details regarding the identity of the deceased or specifics about the inception of the fire. The official statement mentioned on the Modesto Fire Department Facebook page extended "deepest condolences to the affected family."
