Fire Erupts at Carl’s Jr. in Central Fresno
A fire broke out at a Carl’s Jr. in central Fresno on Wednesday night, prompting a significant emergency response. The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of McKinley and Blackstone Avenues.
Details of the Incident
Upon arrival, Fresno firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from the restaurant’s windows and roof. Firefighters quickly conducted a search of the premises to ensure no one was inside, as the building had a history of attracting homeless activity and previous fires.
Firefighter Response
According to Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Timothy Fulmer, around 36 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze. Their efforts included using ladder trucks to apply water from above to extinguish the fire and protect nearby structures.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians. Fulmer confirmed, “All firefighters and civilians in the area are safe.”
Cause of the Fire
Officials suspect the fire may have been started by a homeless individual. The Carl’s Jr. restaurant had been vacated for some time and was boarded up, which some local business owners believe has contributed to increased activity among the homeless population in the area.
Community Concerns
Local business owner Harman Dhillon noted, “We’ve seen Carl’s Jr. has been boarded up for about maybe the past month or so, and because of that we’ve been seeing a lot of the unhoused individuals straggling or hanging around those areas.”
Traffic and Safety Measures
Emergency personnel have closed the intersection of McKinley and Blackstone for three to four hours to manage the situation and ensure public safety as firefighters work to contain the fire.
- Date of Incident: Wednesday night
- Location: Intersection of McKinley and Blackstone Avenues
- Response Team: 36 firefighters
- Safety Status: No injuries reported
- Estimated Closure Duration: 3-4 hours
The investigation into the fire’s cause and the circumstances surrounding the abandoned building continues. This incident highlights ongoing community challenges related to vacant properties and homeless activity in central Fresno.
