Suspicious fire destroys home in West Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The fire was at a home on Lafayette Avenue and Dudley Avenue in the area of Olive Avenue and Hughes Avenue.

The fire broke out after 5 a.m. Tuesday. Neighbors said the house has been vacant for about six months, but recently some people were seen on the property.

Fire crews responded quickly, but the home was already engulfed., and the intense flames destroyed the structure.

Investigators say neighbor may hold clues that will help them determine a cause. "Fortunately we have a video camera pointed at the building, a residence does, and we will be receiving that tape," said Ron Stogdell, Fresno County Fire.

Investigators are calling the fire suspicious because there was no power or gas service to the home. Fire officials say with our ongoing drought, the embers from fires can quickly start another home or property on fire.

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