Update: Sulfur fire contained, shelter-in-place lifted for nearby Ceres residents
A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for Ceres residents near a hazmat fire that started Monday morning, the Modesto Fire Department said.
Crews confined the smoldering sulfur fire in a 40,000-square-foot warehouse at Stanislaus Farm Supply, and there is no longer a health concern in the area.
“Fire crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor and assist facility personnel and to ensure the product continues to remain cool,” MFD said.
The incident began at 11:11 a.m.
The Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services sent out messages on social media requesting that residents within a one-mile radius of the fire shelter in place.
“The air quality is potentially hazardous due to a hazardous materials incident,” the message said. “Stay indoors, close windows and turn off HVAC.”
A reverse 911 call also went out to residents and Sinclear Elementary School on Hackett Road, which is downwind of the fire.
Modesto Fire Deputy Chief Darin Jesberg said the advisory is cautionary and the air quality threat is no worse than on the Fourth of July, when hundreds of people are setting off fireworks, which also contain sulfur.
He said sensitive groups are at higher risk and wearing an N95 mask can help mitigate respiratory problems.
Jesberg said there is no immediate threat to structures or life.
More than 50 personnel responded to the scene from Modesto Fire, Stanislaus Consolidated, Ceres Police, Ceres Public Works, Stanislaus Sheriff Department, Department of Environmental Resources and the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit.
This story was originally published January 24, 2022 at 1:41 PM.
