FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – As of 1pm Tuesday, Fresno Fire was still keeping track of hot spots after several fires broke out Tuesday morning on northbound highway 99 between Fresno St. and Belmont Ave.
The blazes caused heavy smoke, which caused traffic to move very slowly and also set off several commercial fire alarms. That prompted evacuations at Gaston Middle School and the downtown courthouse.
There were also several minor traffic accidents in the area – some caused by the smoke and the slowdown.
One structure was threatened, but was undamaged. The fire department had to cease response to emergency calls for more than 45 minutes to combat the fires.
Fresno Fire says that because there were several small blazes, it’s suspicious – and they are investigating the cause. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
