Fresno Firefighter Injured After Partial Building Collapse at Commercial Fire

A firefighter suffered minor injuries Tuesday night after part of a burning vacant commercial building collapsed during a fire in central Fresno, the Fresno Fire Department reported.

Firefighters responded just before 6:30 p.m. to the 900 block of North Fresno Street after reports of a commercial structure fire. Engine 5 arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a boarded-up vacant building, with fire extending through the roof and threatening nearby structures.

Crews initially entered the building in an attempt to attack the fire from inside, but worsening conditions and concerns over the building’s structural stability forced firefighters to retreat and switch to a defensive operation from the exterior.

Officials said the old reinforced brick masonry construction posed additional dangers.

During the incident, part of the building collapsed onto a firefighter. The firefighter was treated at the scene for minor injuries and later returned to assist crews battling the blaze.

Fire officials also said a nearby utility pole was damaged by the flames, raising concerns that electrical lines could fall and create further hazards for firefighters working in the area.

Despite the challenges, crews prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. The building where the fire started was declared a total loss.

Because of extensive damage and concerns about hidden hot spots in the debris, five additional engine companies rotated through the scene overnight to conduct fire watch operations and monitor for flare-ups, officials said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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