Firefighters were able to stop a Thursday afternoon fire in Ripon before it spread into a neighboring detached garage.
Firefighters were able to stop a Thursday afternoon fire in Ripon before it spread into a neighboring detached garage.
The fire broke out at about 12:30 p.m. in a backyard near East Washington Street and Avenue A. According to Ripon Consolidated Fire District Chief Eric DeHart, the fire appears to have started in a shed and then spread to a nearby fence.
The fire produced a large column of heavy black smoke that could be seen from miles away. Drivers along Highway 99 reported seeing the smoke from as far north as Austin Road in Manteca and as far south as Kiernan Avenue in Salida.
Flames were beginning to threaten a detached garage on the neighboring property when crews arrived.
DeHart said that had firefighters arrived just a few minutes later, the garage likely would have become involved. Crews were able to get on scene quickly and knock the fire down before it spread any farther.
Manteca City Fire Department also responded to assist.
Firefighters remained at the scene for a little more than an hour before clearing the area. Damage is estimated at approximately $10,000.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, although DeHart said investigators are not currently suspecting foul play.
No injuries were reported.