Nine displaced in Modesto after early-morning fire damages several homes

(FOX40.COM) — Nine people were displaced after an early-morning fire on Friday damaged several homes in Modesto.

Modesto Fire Dept. officials said crews were dispatched around 5:15 a.m. to respond to the fire, which was near the intersection of Morris and Terminal Avenues in central Modesto.

The first engine that arrived found “heavy fire” at a residence that was spreading to nearby homes, including a triplex and a house under construction.

Three of the houses are uninhabitable and a fourth house that was under construction was destroyed, with the estimated loss determined to be around $1.4 million, the dept. said.

No one was hospitalized, but two people were evaluated by paramedics who responded.

The American Red Cross is helping some of the people displaced, fire officials said.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.