FRESNO (KMJ) — The investigation has begun after a fire destroyed a home in Southeast Fresno, but crews suspect that homeless people are responsible.
The blaze close to Jensen and Willow Avenues was first reported around 5am Tuesday, sending crews to a well established fire.
“Smoke and fire was coming out of every window and every door on the structure,” revealed Fresno County Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Michaels.
“The property had been abandoned for several years, and fire started to move through that debris threatening other structures on the property.”
Crews believe homeless people were responsible for starting a fire that destroyed a home in Southeast Fresno this morning. Images courtesy of @FresnoCoFire. More on @KMJNOW. pic.twitter.com/oT2olCqxMH
— Dom McAndrew (@DomMcAndrew) October 16, 2018
Crews on scene suspect transients using the property were the likely cause of the flames taking hold.
“We didn’t have any indication that it was an arson style fire, and the only other type of situation that could have led to that is either someone cooking or someone attempting to stay warm,” continued Battalion Chief Michaels.
“Law enforcement was at scene as well and they’ve been at the site multiple times for issues related to some of the transient population.”
The home is considered a complete loss and only the exterior brick remains standing. Investigators have begun work to establish the official cause.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
