Fire triggers explosions, injures animals in Fresno County | YourCentralValley.com

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – What initially started as a grass fire quickly burned through 13 acres of property, injuring several animals and triggering explosions in Fresno County Saturday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters say they responded around 4 p.m. to a vegetation fire at the corner of Highway 41 and Central Avenue. Due to the wind, the flames were pushed east along Cherry Avenue towards approximately four properties.

When crews arrived, they reported several owners were removing their livestock as the fire spread east. Several animals, including dogs, suffered heat injuries and are being treated by animal control.

Cal Fire says they went into defensive mode when explosions were heard. The flames had spread to a pallet yard with forklifts equipped with propane tanks. Nearby residents were evacuated.

As the fire ravaged the pallet yard, power lines went down and PG&E was called to cut off power to the general area. Power was out for several hours due to the fire, but crews are working to restore it.

Crews add that the lack of resources on site made the fight difficult, as the wind also carried ember fallout onto adjacent properties. Additional resources were tasked to defend properties and structures threatened by fallout.

As a result, Cal Fire reports that the fire burned 13 acres of land and approximately 50 firefighters responded. No homes were destroyed on any of the affected properties, only several outbuildings and miscellaneous structures were destroyed.

The investigation is looking into the causes of the fire.

Firefighters advise that as warmer temperatures come into the season, they should ensure their properties are free of unpleasant weeds and tall grass. They say to make sure an evacuation plan is in place in the event of a fire on or near your property.

Emergency responders included Cal Fire, Fresno City Fire, North Central Fire, American Ambulance, PG&E, Fresno County Sheriff's Office and CHP.