Fire damages abandoned building on Winton Way in Atwater, officials say

Fire damaged an abandoned building near Atwater High School on Tuesday, according to fire officials.

At about 8:24 a.m., firefighters responded to an initial report of a fire behind a building located at 2977 Winton Way, according to Atwater Fire Department/Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Ayuso.

Ayuso said the first engine and crew arrived on scene to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the abandoned single story commercial building which was about 25 % involved. A total of seven fire personnel responded to the fire including five from the City of Atwater and two from the Merced County Fire Department Winton station.

Firefighters remained on scene for a couple of hours after responding quickly and making an aggressive attack, according to Ayuso. Fire officials said the building has been abandoned for several years and firefighters have responded to multiple small fires at the location in the past.

Ayuso said no injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation.