MODESTO – Authorities from various agencies are investigating the cause of a deadly fire Wednesday morning that claimed the lives of two adults and injured three children.
Shortly after 7:00am several calls were made reporting a house fire on El Sereno Street in South Modesto. The callers reported there were people trapped inside of the home. Firefighters on scene reported heavy fire conditions from the front of the home and called for a second alarm.
Several rescues were conducted. Fire Chief Alan Ernst said firefighters rescued people through windows of the home who were trapped inside. Ammunition found in the home along with aerosol containers complicated the situation for fire crews trying to bring the situation under control.
Chief Ernst said two adults were deceased as a result of the fire. Two children had to be airlifted by helicopter to burn centers. One was treated by medical personnel on the scene.
Investigators with the Modesto Police Department, Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit and other agencies were on scene examining the home well into Wednesday afternoon. Early reports indicated several callers reported fireworks going off around the time of the fire, but that has yet to be determined.
Witnesses watching from the street said one of the residents at the home was a car detailer and was well liked by the neighbors.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.
