Los Banos, CA (December 1, 2025) — A Thanksgiving night chimney fire displaced a local family after flames spread from the fireplace flue into the home’s attic, according to an incident update released by the City of Los Banos.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening for a reported chimney fire. Units from Los Banos Fire and Merced County Fire Engines 71 and 72 arrived on scene and located active fire inside the fireplace flue. Officials reported that the flames had extended into the adjacent attic area before firefighters were able to bring the incident under control within about an hour.
City officials confirmed that one family was displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross responded to assist, providing temporary housing and support services.
The estimated damage to the home is approximately $125,000, according to the city’s update.
Local officials expressed gratitude to the responding agencies, acknowledging the coordinated efforts of Los Banos Fire, Merced County Fire, the Los Banos Police Department, and the Red Cross for their quick response and teamwork.
