(FOX40.COM) — A massive fire in Modesto raged through Janopaul Lane Friday evening and caused over $1 million in damages.
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Around 7:27 p.m., the Modesto Fire Department said it received reports of pallets on fire in the 600 block of Janopaul Lane. Upon arrival to the scene, firefighters discovered “heavy flames engulfing a pallet yard.” As the fire continued to spread, 18 fire engines from several agencies were ultimately called to respond.
MFD said the Janopaul fire consumed nearly 200,000 wooden pallets, multiple tractor-trailers, several power poles and transformers, at least one recreational vehicle, and a residential unit that was on the pallet yard property. The fire also spread to nearby warehouses and surrounding vegetation, fueled by embers carried by the wind. Preliminary damage estimates exceed $1,200,000, according to the fire department.
“Firefighting efforts faced significant challenges due to the intensity of the flames and limited access to the area,” MFD said. “Burning power poles and overhead electrical lines further complicated operations. One firefighter sustained a heat-related injury and was transported to a local hospital for treatment but was released shortly thereafter.”