Cars at Modesto auto dismantling business catch fire, fire department says

April 27, 2026 - 04:00

The Modesto Fire Department was dispatched to a significant fire at a local auto dismantling business late Saturday evening. The incident began just after 9 p.m., when emergency crews received reports of flames erupting from a yard filled with salvaged vehicles. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a rapidly spreading fire that had already consumed multiple cars stacked in the lot.

According to officials, the blaze posed unique challenges due to the density of the wrecked vehicles and the presence of flammable materials typical of dismantling operations, such as fuel residues and plastic components. Crews worked aggressively to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby structures or additional rows of stored cars. No injuries were reported among fire personnel or civilians, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Modesto Fire Department has not yet released an estimate of the damage, but the incident underscores the risks associated with vehicle storage yards. The business, which specializes in recycling and parting out used automobiles, will likely face a lengthy cleanup process. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire’s origin to come forward as the investigation continues.