On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, at approximately 9:30 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of a vehicle fire in an alleyway next to Blessed Hope Assyrian Church located at 125 S Orange St. Squad 32 was dispatched. While Squad 32 was en route, additional information was obtained that the fire had reached the church’s exterior. The incident was then upgraded to a working structure fire which added Battalion 4, Engine 31, Engine 33, and Engine 34.
Squad 32 arrived on scene a short while later and located a vehicle fully involved with flames touching the church’s exterior. Captain 32 assumed command and put crews in the offensive strategy. Other units began arriving on on scene and were able to quickly bring the fire under control, extinguishing it shortly thereafter. Engine 34 was cancelled while en route. The fire damaged a portion of the church’s exterior walls.
The Fire Marshal and the Turlock Police Department were called out to investigate the fire due to the circumstances surrounding it. The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119 or by email at MGomez@turlock.ca.us.
