FRESNO (KMJ) – A fire in a Downtown Fresno commercial building may have been started by homeless people, according to Fresno Fire. The blaze at Belmont and Mariposa started around 7.45am Monday and was quickly upgraded to a second alarm.
Crews on scene were told that approximately 10 homeless were living inside the structure. According to the sign outside it was once known as the Sew & Vacuum, but was vacant at the time of the fire.
“Upon arrival, Engine 4 found heavy fire and smoke conditions right in the center of the structure,” said Deputy Chief Rich Cabral.
“When we were laying lines and going inside to attack the fire there was a report that someone was inside.”
Firefighters forced their way into the building but did not find the missing person. Investigators have begun work to establish what started the flames.
“It could be the activities that were going on with the people who were living inside the structure. Nonetheless, we have investigators here who are going to case this incident.”
The cause of the fire officially remains under investigation.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
