Deck, gazebo consumed in blaze

The Tulare County Fire Department responded to a fire Saturday that began near a personal residence on the 27000 block of Olive and Avenue 150.

The fire is suspected to have begun in the backyard where work was being done near open drainage pipes.

Wind then took the flames to the front of the house. Tulare County Fire Department firefighters positioned themselves between the home and the fire and contained the blaze before it could spread to the main structure.

Part of the deck and a gazebo area were lost, but the house was untouched and there were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, through preliminary findings indicate that a spark near the pipes in the backyard may have started a grass fire, which then spread toward the residence.

Two engines - one from Cal Fire who assisted TCFD - a patrol and a water tender responded to the fire. Captain Torres was present, covering for the Battalion Chief.