A young girl has died following a residential structure fire that occurred early Sunday morning on the 500 block of Leon Avenue. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to FOX40 that the 7-year-old victim was one of three people rescued by firefighters from the burning two-story duplex on March 22, 2026.
The child’s mother and sister, who were also pulled from the building, remain in the hospital. Their current medical conditions have not been disclosed.
According to a press release, the Burbank Paradise Fire District was dispatched to the “working structure fire” at approximately 3:09 A.M. while additional 9-1-1 callers reported that multiple people were likely trapped inside. The Modesto Fire Department was immediately called to assist in the life-saving operations.
Upon arrival, Engine 36 reported heavy fire and smoke coming from an attached garage, with smoke also filling the primary living areas. Firefighters entered the building under conditions of “dense smoke, low visibility, and moderate heat” to conduct a search. During this operation, crews located and removed the mother and her two daughters.
A total of nine people were inside the residence when the fire broke out. According to the press release, while six individuals managed to evacuate safely before emergency crews arrived, the three victims found by firefighters required immediate medical intervention. Paramedics from the Modesto Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) provided initial care on-site before transporting them to local hospitals.
The response to the incident involved a significant deployment of resources including six engines, one truck, two battalion chiefs, and one assistant chief. These units operated alongside American Medical Response ambulances, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies, and the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit.
The Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit is currently investigating the origin and cause of the fire.