Vehicle fires break out at Modesto gas station, Turlock Starbucks drive-thru
Fire crews in Modesto and Turlock responded to two vehicle fires Thursday, one that ignited just feet from gas pumps at a busy gas station, and another in a Starbucks drive-thru.
The first fire occurred around 2 p.m. at an ARCO gas station on Coffee Road in Modesto. A pickup truck caught fire shortly after fueling, according to Modesto Fire Department Capt. Jim Black.
The blaze prompted a multi-unit response due to its proximity to the gas pumps. “The gas pumps weren’t involved, and there wasn’t really a fuel spill or risk of explosion,” Black said. “They called for extra resources just in case, but crews were able to put it out quickly.” No injuries were reported, and the gas station was not damaged.
Less than two hours later, around 4 p.m., Turlock fire crews were called to a vehicle fire in the drive-thru lane of the Starbucks at 1609 Lander Ave. Initial reports indicated the vehicle was next to a building, prompting an upgrade to a potential structure fire.
“When the first arriving crews got on scene, they realized that there was no threat to the building,” said Turlock Fire Department Capt. Jason Bernard. “It was an engine compartment fire in the drive-thru.”
The vehicle was about five to six feet from the Starbucks, and firefighters worked quickly to prevent the flames from spreading, he said. Crews entered the building and checked the roof for embers or debris that could have ignited a secondary fire. None were found.
“There’s always smoke and fire hazards in situations like this,” Bernard said. “And in a tight area like a drive-thru, it could’ve been a tough situation if there were multiple vehicles stuck behind it. Fortunately, there weren’t.”
The car was destroyed in the fire, but no other vehicles were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.
