10/17/2026
Earlier this week, Modesto Firefighters responded to a possible gas leak outside a house on Rexford Court.
Engine 7 arrived and found an unusual odor coming from a backyard shed. Recognizing the potential hazard, the crew requested a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) response.
HazMat 41, fire command staff, Medic 1, and a HazMat inspector responded. During their investigation, crews discovered multiple household chemicals and an old military-grade mortar inside the shed.
The Modesto Police Department and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad were called to assist. The area was secured while the bomb squad removed the potentially explosive mortar and HazMat personnel secured the chemicals.
Modesto Fire is an all-risk fire department, responding to emergencies that extend well beyond fires and medical calls. MFD is also one of 12 Cal OES Type I Hazardous Materials response teams, providing specialized capabilities to help identify, assess, and mitigate hazardous materials incidents in California and beyond.