Two bodies found in underground vault in downtown Fresno, fire chief says
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- Two people were found dead inside a downtown Fresno utility vault after a fire.
- Firefighters entered after PG&E and construction crews coordinated to shut off power.
- Officials believe the narrow 40-foot vault may have been occupied.
Two people were found dead Monday after a fire broke out inside a utility vault beneath the H Street bridge in downtown Fresno.
Fresno Fire Department Fire Chief Billy Alcorn said crews arrived after 8 a.m. when smoke was reported coming from underneath the bridge.
He said smoke was coming from a vault that stored major utility infrastructure serving the downtown area. Construction workers at the scene reportedly saw three people leaving the area where the smoke originated before firefighters arrived.
Alcorn said firefighters initially faced dangerous conditions due to live electrical equipment inside the confined underground space.
After coordinating with PG&E and construction crews to shut off power to the vault, rescue teams entered to battle the fire.
“Once we ensured the utilities were off, that’s when we started to make access,” Alcorn said.
While extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered and removed one body from inside the vault.
During a subsequent primary search, crews located a second victim, who was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Alcorn said both victims have not yet been identified, though investigators believe the space may have been occupied by members of the unhoused community.
Alcorn described the underground area as a narrow utility channel stretching roughly 40 feet beneath the overpass.
Investigators believe people may have gained access by digging through dirt along the side of the bridge embankment rather than using the secured utility entrance.
“It appears that people were trying to live inside of that vault,” Alcorn said. “There was debris, blankets, property, almost livable conditions.”
Crews continued searching the area Monday afternoon to ensure no additional victims remained inside.
Firefighters were removing debris and personal belongings from the vault before declaring the scene fully cleared.
Alcorn said the operation required technical rescue teams because of the hazardous underground conditions, including limited oxygen and the risk of electrical exposure.
The incident also caused a power outage affecting parts of downtown Fresno, including nearby high-rise buildings and hotels.
Officials said electricity could remain shut off for several hours while crews ensure the fire is completely extinguished and utility equipment is inspected for damage.
Alcorn said the California Highway Patrol is leading the law enforcement investigation, while the State Fire Marshal’s Office will oversee the fire investigation.
Fresno police and Fresno fire officials are assisting.
Authorities are also working to identify and locate the individuals seen leaving the area before firefighters arrived.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 1:44 PM.
