Fire destroys a vacant building in Atwater. The cause of the fire is under investigation

A structure fire destroyed a vacant building in Atwater on Monday morning, according to authorities.

Police and fire personnel responded to a structure fire at an abandoned dry cleaners building near the intersection of Winton Way and Fruitland Avenue, according to Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador.

Atwater Fire Department/Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Ayuso said he was the first firefighter to arrive on scene and found the building, located at 2977 Winton Way, to be about 75% in flames mostly from the rear of the structure.

Firefighters responded to a structure fire at the same location on Nov. 16 last year. Ayuso said that due to previous fires at the building and its compromised structural integrity, fire personnel took defensive action protecting nearby structures.

Two Atwater City fire engines, two Merced County fire engines and about nine fire personnel responded to the scene, according to Ayuso.

Fire officials said it took firefighters about two hours to gain full control of the fire and some personnel remain on scene as they work to control hotspots. Some fire equipment remains in the southbound lanes of Winton Way, and was expect to be cleared for traffic shortly.

According to authorities, no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 2:28 PM.