The fire broke out at an apartment complex on Clay Avenue and Bond Street near First and Olive.
Firefighters say it started as a debris fire in the alley that spread to the car port of a single story apartment complex. The fire caused damage to two units.
Black smoke could be seen all around Fresno early Friday afternoon. Crews say the fire is contained and they were able to rescue a kitten from one of the apartments.
There was no word on what caused the debris fire.