OAKHURST — Firefighters responded to a structure fire near the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church just before midnight on Thursday.
At 11:25 p.m., two CHP officers responded to reports of a fire burning in a small building next to the church. Two people who live on the property had seen the flames and called 911, according to the officers.
The residents were trying to fight the fire with a hose, but when officers noted that it was burning near a water heater, they decided everyone should clear the area and wait for firefighters to arrive, erring on the side of caution in case of gas or electrical dangers.
Madera County Engine 12 was first at scene, and reported the fire was in an 800-square-foot single-family type structure.
Cal Fire Engines 4294, 4295, 4254, 4285 and 4264 responded along with Madera County Water Tender 16. Crews had the fire quickly contained to the structure with no spread to the vegetation, and dozers and hand crews were called off.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
