1 person found dead after apartment fire in Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- One person was found dead after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Central Fresno on Wednesday evening, the Fresno Fire Department says.

Fire crews responded just before 6 p.m. to a report of an apartment fire near First Street and Weldon Avenue. When firefighters arrived, they found intense flames coming from a single-story apartment building and began firefighting and rescue efforts.

Battalion Chief Brian Downs said firefighters learned someone was trapped inside the building.

"They encountered heavy fire in one of the bedrooms of that unit and they discovered a single occupant deceased in that," Downs said.

A second alarm was called because of the rescue effort and the possibility of additional victims.

"We did call a second alarm just because of the rescue and the potential for further victims," Downs said.

Heavy smoke poured from the building, and at one point, a man used a water hose to attempt to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived.

Crews were able to contain the fire to the rear apartment unit, which was later boarded up. Investigators remained at the scene Wednesday night.

"Our investigators are investigating the scene. So the fire did appear to start in the bedroom where the occupant was," Downs said.

Although the fire was confined to the unit where it started, flames spread into the attic, creating additional challenges for firefighters. The attic fire damaged three other apartment units.

"For us to make sure the fire doesn't flare up at any time, it's important to overhaul that whole area to clear out any embers and we found the fire had actually traveled along the top of the insulation," Downs said.

Firefighters removed portions of the ceiling as part of overhaul operations to prevent flare-ups and were seen removing personal belongings from the building.

PG&E crews also responded to help secure power and gas service.

The fire displaced 15 people, who are working to determine their next steps. The American Red Cross was assisting those in need of temporary lodging.

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