A Sunday evening fire ripped through the metal warehouse type building home to Atiza Party Supplies at 1943 Crows Landing Road, and causing about $600,000 damage.

The fire was reported to the Modesto Fire Department at approximately 6:43 p.m. Also responding to the location just north of Imperial Avenue was Ceres Fire Department. Flames and smoke were visible from the street when the first unit arrived on scene. Firefighters made entry to locate the source of the flames and quickly contained it. Access to the loft area of the business was difficult to reach because the stairs had burned away.

Fueling the fire were combustible products such as artificial flowers, table decorations, invitations, pinatas, wedding and quinceanera dresses, tuxedos and other delicate items.

An additional three hours were spent providing overhaul operations to ensure the fire was completely out.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury to his wrist and was transported to an area hospital as a precaution before he was released.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation with the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit.

The fire hit at the worst time since the fall is a big wedding and quinceanera season, said business owner Andy Sanchez.  He vowed to recover from the fire and continue his business – which has been in operation since 1986 – and is fulfilling orders for replacements to dresses lost in the fire.