05/20/2026
Last night just before 6:30 PM, Fresno firefighters responded to the 900 block of North Fresno Street after receiving reports of a commercial building on fire. Engine 5 arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a vacant boarded-up building with fire through the roof that was threatening neighboring structures.
Firefighters initially made entry in an attempt to attack the fire from the interior. However, due to rapidly deteriorating conditions, concerns over the buildingâs structural integrity, and the dangers associated with the old reinforced brick masonry construction, crews were forced to transition to a defensive operation and fight the fire from the exterior.
During the incident, a portion of the building collapsed onto a firefighter, narrowly avoiding a disaster. Thankfully, the firefighter sustained only minor injuries, was treated on scene, and returned to assist crews battling the fire.
As operations continued, a nearby utility pole became damaged by the flames, raising concerns that electrical lines could fall and create additional hazards for firefighters working in the area.
Despite the challenges, firefighters were able to successfully protect the neighboring exposure buildings, preventing the fire from spreading further. Unfortunately, the building of origin is considered a total loss.
Due to the extent of the damage and concerns over hidden fire within the debris, five additional engine companies rotated throughout the night, conducting fire watch operations to ensure there were no flare-ups or rekindles.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
