Firefighters ask for tips after man sets fire to strip mall in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno Fire Department is asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the person believed to be responsible for an arson that caused extensive damage to a strip mall complex in northeast Fresno on Thursday.

The fire happened around 2 p.m. at Ashlan and Blackstone Avenues.

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Surveillance footage from the area shows an unidentified person in the alley behind the strip mall intentionally igniting multiple fires shortly before the building was reported to be burning, according to the fire department.

The resulting structure fire caused extensive damage to the building and the businesses inside the complex.

Surveillance video captured a man setting multiple fires behind a strip mall at Ashlan and Blackstone Avenues in Fresno. (Photo: Fresno Fire Department)

Anyone calling with information can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP or the Fresno Fire Department ARSON hotline at (559)-621-ARSN.