Fresno Fire Department still investigating cause of 4 separate fires in Tower District neighborhood

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno firefighters spent part of the day back at the scene of one of four fires that broke out in a Tower District neighborhood, putting out some residual smoke. They're monitoring the area, and are still investigating the cause of the first fire that started in a small garage behind a home.

Bill Parker lives across the street, and was relieved to see that the smoke he smelled was not coming from inside his own home.

"Awfully lot of high flames, coming from the back of the house, before it got down to the heavy smoke," Parker said.

The fire had started in a small garage behind that home, according to the Fresno Fire Department.

"What really made it worse was the fact they had a palm tree that was releasing embers from the fire and going down wind and that started three other fires," said Fresno Fire spokesman Pete Martinez.

"It was burning pretty good," Parker said. "They did a good job."

But it wasn't long before Parker noticed smoke coming from his backyard, where his three dogs were. A firefighter started to let them out. The fire scorched Parker's lawn, melted a shed, and destroyed his new rototiller.

Meanwhile, one could be seen cleaning up what they could Wednesday afternoon. The Red Cross is putting them up in a hotel, along with two other families.

"We were out here providing hotel stays, providing financial assistance for food and clothing, providing some basic items like hygiene kits, and toys for kids," said Red Cross spokesperson Jessica Piffero.