Fire destroys 1 home, damages 2 others in Merced County

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A fire that destroyed one house, two outbuildings and damaged two other homes in Merced County is under investigation.

It happened around 5 p.m. Friday near Elm and Fir avenues, just northwest of Merced. Fire investigators say the home was vacant, and the blaze was most likely started by homeless living there.

The heat played a factor in the firefight, adding more stress on firefighters.

The Merced County battalion chief says the fire caused about $200,000 in damage.

Thankfully, no one was hurt.