Authorities investigate suspected arson at Southwest Fresno home

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno firefighters are investigating a house fire they believe was intentionally set.

The flames sparked at the back of a home near Oleander and Thorne Avenue just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Firefighters were quickly able to douse the flames - and easily discovered where the fire was set.

"The fire attack crew that went around back and extinguished the fire could smell gasoline in the area. So we're suspicious about the cause of origin," said Thomas Cope, Battalion Chief with the Fresno Fire Dept.

Investigators are on scene interviewing witnesses who may have seen the person who started the fire. They say this is the third time they've responded to this house.