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Fast-Moving Modesto Fire Damages Five Homes

MODESTO (CBS13) — At least five homes were burned by a fast-moving grassfire in Modesto on Friday.

The fire started just after 6 p.m. along South Emerald Avenue in west Modesto, but crews managed to quickly contain it. But five homes were damaged before the flames would be extinguished.

Firefighters said the weather played a significant role in the fire spreading as quickly as it did, with temperatures in the low 90s and winds around 25 mph.

"The wind had a significant factor and the high weed, the dry weeds, and the heat over the last couple days and then the high winds over the last couple days really dried things out and the fire just spread really quick," said Interim Fire Chief Sean Slamon.

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