Firefighters reported heavy black smoke coming from a garage in the 1800 block of Scharmann Lane as they approached the home at 3 a.m. Tuesday just east of Airport Way and south of Lathrop Road in northwest Manteca.

Seeing that the lights were on in the home and well aware of the lateness of the hour, firefighters from Engine Company 243 began a search of the house for possible victims.  None were found as a single attack line was pulled through the laundry room and into the garage, according to Battalion Chief Kyle Shipherd.

The firefighters made their entry into the garage where they found fire on the north wall that they said was fueled by natural gas from the water heater and from a large amount of stored furniture.

Shipherd said the water heater fire was extinguished. The attic and the house were checked for fire extensions.  He noted that just above the water heater the fire did reach into the attic making it necessary to remove the ceiling and some roof timbers. The blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

Once the fire was extinguished, salvage and overhaul operations were performed by the remaining fire units on the scene. The structure was rechecked for hidden fire guarding against further start-ups after they left the home.

Property loss was estimated at $20,000 for the structure and $10,000 for the contents.  The fire was caused by blankets being inadvertently placed too close to the water heater, Shipherd said.