Multiple calls from citizens late Sunday afternoon brought four engines from the Lathrop-Manteca and Manteca fire departments to the La Reina Supermarket due to fire and heavy smoke was coming from the rear of the building.

It was the quick action of one Lathrop engine crew that pulled up to the rear of the building taking an aggressive position with hose lines as flames were licking up the rear of the structure that took the fire down, according to a battalion chief at the scene.

Three other fire engines from Lathrop and Manteca took positions in front of the store and worked to clear the smoke from the interior and search the rear walls and ceiling for possible fire extensions in the building.  A Manteca District Ambulance unit was also quick to respond and positioned in an adjacent field in case anyone was injured in the fire.

The fire remains under investigation and the cause and loss estimate is expected to be determined sometime today. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.