An early Sunday morning fire damaged the Taco Bell restaurant on Herndon Avenue north of Hatch Road.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:30 a.m. and when the first Modesto Fire Department crews arrived smoke was pouring from the structure and flames were licking the back of the building. Additional engines were called as an attack on the fire was conducted both inside and outside. The fire was fully engaged behind dry wall and roofing material that had to be pulled for firefighter access.

The damage was mostly limited to the rear of the structure.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Unit.