Merced County fire crews battle blaze that destroys three homes in Gustine

A fire destroyed three Merced County homes, leaving one person with a minor injury on Friday night, according to Gustine Fire Chief Pat Borelli.

Fire crews responded to a debris fire in the area of Second Street and Third Avenue at 5:59 p.m. on Friday, according to Borelli.

The grass fire then spread to three homes. All three homes were total losses, according to Borelli. “There were people home at the time of the first but everyone got out,” Borelli said.

Borelli said a total of 15 people were displaced because of the fire, including eight children.

There were 26 firefighters on hand to battle the blaze and 12 fire engines.

Borelli said it took about two hours to get the fire under control.

The cause of the first is unknown at this time.