Update: One home destroyed, other structures burn as fires erupt in west-central Fresno
.jpg "Black smoke wafts into the air near Belmont and Brawley avenues in Fresno, California, on Monday, July 11, 2022.")
North Central Fire District firefighters Monday battled multiple spot fires on West Belmont Avenue near Valentine Avenue and called for help from both Fresno County and Madera County as one home burned to the ground.
The cause was under investigation.
The blazes erupted about 1 p.m. in 100-degree temperatures, said Deputy Fire Chief Jacob McAffee. Firefighters initially rolled to a vegetation fire in the area, but McAffee said winds quickly spread embers, which sparked several more fires, prompting calls for mutual aid from both county fire departments. Soon, 31 firefighters and 20 engines were on scene.
In addition to the residence, the fires destroyed three outbuildings, and two cats perished. The high heat also took a toll on firefighters working in heavy fire-proof outfits, and many were pulled off the blaze to take breaks and hydrate.
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This story was originally published July 11, 2022 at 2:20 PM.
