Manteca fire crews responded to a structure fire shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday in the 700 block of Stewart Street where they found flames and heavy smoke coming from a house.

A total of 20 firefighters were called out to the blaze including five reserves.  The first firemen on the scene immediately performed rescue operations as the structure was reported to have been occupied.

After entering the building it was determined the structure was clear of any individuals and had no inhabitants who were in danger from the smoke and flames. 

Emergency callback procedures were initiated and full-time firefighters came in from home as well as the reserve firefighters.  The reserves went directly to the scene while the off-duty firemen responded to staff the stations and responded to other emergencies in the city. 

A Lathrop-Manteca engine and a Manteca District Ambulance also responded to the scene.  Fire crews remained on the scene for more than two hours performing salvage, overhaul and fire investigation.  Cause of the fire remains under investigation.