Fresno duplex fire causes extensive damage, displaces 14

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Over a dozen people were displaced from their homes following an early morning fire in east central Fresno Saturday, the Fresno Fire Department said.

The fire department said it received multiple calls of flames coming out of a duplex in the 1100 block of North Bond Street, near Olive Avenue, around 5:22 a.m.

The fire is believed to have begun on a fence line outside of the duplex and spread up the wall, into the eaves, and then into the attic.

Investigators said the blaze caused extensive damage to the ceiling. Fire crews were able to cover up and salvage some of the residents’ personal property inside the units to minimize damage and loss.

Crews report a total of 14 people were displaced; one unit had three adults and four children living inside. The other had two adults and five children.

The Red Cross was called upon to help the two displaced families.

One of the residents told fire crews that they woke up, smelled the fire’s smoke, and were able to help get everyone out of their unit.

Fire personnel said no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.