Fire destroys Modesto structure, $1 million in damage reported
A large fire early Wednesday morning destroyed a commercial structure behind homes in Modesto, causing an estimated $1 million in damage, authorities said.
Crews with the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District responded around 5:04 a.m. to the 500 block of Beard Avenue, near El Royal Avenue, for a reported fire. As units arrived, the call was upgraded to a working residential structure fire.
Firefighters quickly discovered a fully involved commercial building burning behind nearby homes. The fire had spread to multiple items on the property, including motorcycles, vehicles and a motorhome, according to fire officials.
Due to the size of the blaze and its proximity to surrounding homes and businesses, crews deployed multiple hose lines to prevent it from spreading further.
After about two hours, firefighters brought the fire under control. Crews remained on scene for roughly five hours, working to extinguish hot spots and overhaul the area.
In all, seven engines, two quint trucks, two battalion chiefs, one paramedic unit, three fire investigators and a utility unit responded.
No injuries were reported.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Stanislaus County Fire Investigative Unit.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 5:07 PM.
