Multiple fire units, in addition to two helicopters, were on scene of a brush and grass fire in the 13000 block of Orange Blossom Road on Tuesday afternoon, July 22.

The fire was first reported near the 13600 block shortly before 3:30 p.m. and crews arriving on scene indicated the fire was initially at one to two acres with a moderate rate of spread.

Additional units were called in quickly, as the fire expanded to an estimated four acres within about 20 minutes of the original call.

Two helicopters were flying along the Stanislaus River, approaching off nearby Lancaster Road, hovering as they picked up water and then returning to drop it on the fire. Several passes were also made by planes dropping retardant during the early firefighting effort, with the retardant visible on several properties and along portions of some roadways in the area.

Information released through the Modesto Fire Department indicated two large structures were immediately threatened but the quick response was able to result in both being saved with only minor damage to the exterior of one structure.

The fire at one point jumped the river and also jumped Highway 108 but the spot fires were quickly stopped.

At about 5:45 p.m., firefighters were reported to have stopped the forward progress, with between 11 and 12 acres involved in the vegetation fire.

The CHP was alerted early on to assist with possible traffic control needs in the area of Highway 108/120 and Orange Blossom Road and with potential evacuations, but there were no reports of actual evacuations conducted.

The incident was classified as the Orange Fire and there were no indications of injuries. The cause is under investigation.