FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Fresno family was displaced after a fire believed to have been caused by an illegal firework destroyed their home on the night of July 4, according to fire officials.
Flames lit up the backyard of a northwest Fresno home shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Independence Day. Video from the scene captured a large firework moments before the home of Ysenia Mendez and her sons was consumed by fire within minutes.
“They have no more belongings. They’re displaced,” Vladimir Pacheco, brother-in-law, said. “Everyone’s world is just turned upside down.”
The damage left the home unrecognizable, with openings in the roof, water covering the floors and a charred back patio. Fire officials told Action News they believe the fire was sparked by an illegal firework.
Mendez, a single mother, had remained home that evening with her youngest son, who suffers from severe anxiety. Family members are now coping with the emotional aftermath of the fire.
“It was a scene. It was a lot of movement. It was hard to comprehend what took place, but he knew what occurred, and he knew that this was going to change everyone’s lives forever,” Pacheco said.
The fire came during a busy Fourth of July for Fresno firefighters. Fresno Fire reported a 28% increase in fires compared with the previous year.
According to authorities, Fresno Fire and the Fresno Police Department issued 29 citations to people accused of using illegal fireworks on July 4.
Officials said that number could increase as investigators continue reviewing footage captured by multiple drones operating over the city.
“As of right now, that drone footage is still being reviewed, and investigators are following up,” Sellers said.
Fresno police also conducted a citywide enforcement operation through District Safety Teams. Authorities said officers made 43 felony and misdemeanor arrests and seized more than 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and three firearms.
For the Mendez family, the consequences of illegal fireworks have been devastating. With their home destroyed and their belongings gone, they now face an uncertain path forward as they work to recover from the loss.
Ysenia and her sons are living with family now, she tells Action News. At this point, their insurance won’t cover much, so they have set up a GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet.
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