Garbage can fire melts Modesto home’s gas meter

A Modesto home was scorched when a fire in its outdoor garbage can damaged the natural gas meter and caused a leak.

Four engines and a truck responded to the 5 a.m. report of a structure fire on the 600 block of Redfield Avenue, just east of Creekside Golf Course.

Crews arrived to find a garbage toter fire had melted the home’s gas meter and free-flowing gas was burning, said Modesto Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Anderson. Firefighters were able to cool the meter and shut off the gas. Pacific Gas & Electric also responded, he said.

The report was called in by the residents, who heard a loud noise when the meter failed, Anderson said. The exterior of the home suffered minor damage, he said, who added it was fortunate crews were able to put it out before it spread to the attic.

The cause of the fire was under investigation but appears accidental, Anderson said.

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Garbage can fire melts Modesto home’s gas meter."