Crews battle large fire at old Fresno County morgue

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno fire crews were called to battle a large fire at the old Fresno County morgue, which sent a massive plume of dark smoke up over Southwest Fresno, which could be seen all around the area.

Fresno Fire tells Action News that the facility near Nielson and Fruit was vacant. After serving as the morgue, it was briefly used as an animal shelter.

The first call about the fire came in at 7:20am on Monday. When the first crew arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames and said the fire was already spreading from the first floor to the second floor.

Firefighters decided to take a defensive stance, and ladder trucks were quickly set up to begin pouring water on the fire from above to douse the flames.

As of 8:30 am, there were 36 firefighters on scene and many are expected to remain there for several hours.

This is just the latest of many fires in the building over the years after it was left vacant. Supervisor Nathan Magisg confirmed to Action News that the County still owned the building. It is expected to be a total loss after this fire.

Pershing Continuation and Pathway Community School are across the street from the building so Central Unified officials are sending students home for the day.

The fire can be seen from many parts of Fresno, including along highways 99 and 180 in Downtown.

You are asked to avoid the area as crews fight the fire.

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It is unknown what caused the fire at this time. An arson investigator is on the scene, but it will be hours before they can approach the building.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.