Fire damages empty home in southeast Fresno
Fire crews who responded to a vacant house fire in southeast Fresno Monday feared there were people trapped in the basement of the home, Battalion Chief Lawrence French said.
Just before 6 p.m., fire crews responded to the home on 3020 E. Belmont Ave. after calls were made by local residents. When fire crews arrived, they found heavy smoke.
After a brief search, “we didn’t find anyone in the basement,” French said.
The fire in the abandoned home began in the attic space and French said electricity did run to the structure. Pacific Gas and Electric crews were on scene to secure nearby power poles.
French said the damaged home was likely being used by transients seeking shelter in the hot weather.
“Unfortunately in this property, like many in the city, we do not have a responsible party,” French said.
French said they are working with code enforcement to “re-secure” the home.
No one was injured during the operation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado: 559-441-6304, @cres_guez
This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 8:45 PM with the headline "Fire damages empty home in southeast Fresno."