Fire damages vacant Southeast Fresno home used by transients

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fire crews are investigating a fire that broke out Sunday morning at a vacant home that was being used by transients.

Firefighters were called to the home on the corner of El Monte Way and Sierra Vista Avenue at about 8:30 a.m. The house is for sale but investigators believe it was being occupied illegally.

Crews say it appears the occupants were either trying to cook something or heat the home by burning materials. It's unclear if the fire was caused accidentally or is arson.

Damages are estimated to be about $7,000.