Firefighters switch out their oxygen tanks before returning to work inside the still smoking and even burning, residents that caught fire the evening of Monday, Sept. 21.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A quick-moving blaze left two homes damaged in a Gridley neighborhood.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, reports of a structure fire brought multiple CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department units and support resources to a home at 170 Maine St.

Based on observations by witnesses at the time of the fire, the blaze appeared to have originated at 170 Maine St. and spread to the neighboring home at 140 Maine St., consuming much of the home’s garage.

Firefighters knocked down a fire that broke out at a resident on main street, causing extensive damage to two households.

 

Despite efforts by the Gridley Police Department and other support agencies to cordon off the area, many onlookers flocked to the scene, drawn by the high visibility of the blaze.

Heavy smoke amplified the flashing lights of fire engines that blocked traffic on Maine Street at Locust and Cedar streets.

Gridley Fire Department Capt. Roque Zarate confirmed there were no serious injuries, but one of the homes was so heavily damaged it was believed to be a complete loss.

The home at 140 Maine St. was heavily damaged and reportedly belongs to the Tinoco family of Tinoco’s Tacos.

Tinoco’s Tacos is a food truck and Mexican food vendor that regularly attends local community events and celebrations such as Winter Wonderland and the Parade of Lights.

Residents and neighbors came out of their homes and small crowds drew as the fire unfolded on the small street.

As a tight-knit community, Gridley quickly sprang into action on social media, asking what the affected families needed and what donations could be made to support them.

Local residents also rallied to help, including Levi Dake, who said the family is still in need of certain items.

The list includes five sets of nurse’s scrubs, with tops in size XL and bottoms in size L, although size M may also work. Dake is also seeking women’s tennis shoes, size 7.5 wide, with Hokas preferred; 12 L/XL white or plain-colored T-shirts; and 10 pairs of pants or jeans, size 34x32.

In addition, a GoFundMe account has been established to help the Tinoco family rebuild and cover temporary housing and living expenses, including replacing lost clothing and personal items.

Donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe account at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-tinoco-family-after-fire. Additional ways to help have also been shared through the Tinoco’s Tacos Facebook page.

Dake said people wishing to donate needed items should contact him at 530-300-2317 to arrange pickup or delivery.

Fire engulfed most of the home located at 170 Maine, seen here after the flames had been tamed a bit by local first responders.