FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — An elderly man is dead after a fire broke out at a Fresno apartment complex in Central Fresno.
Just before 6 p.m., firefighters responded N First Street and Weldon Avenue to reports of a fire at a single-story apartment.
When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the building and were told someone may have been trapped inside.
Firefighters immediately began a rescue operation and entered the apartment.
Inside, crews found heavy flames in a bedroom and located an elderly man, who had died.
Fire officials say he was reportedly confined to a bed at the time of the fire.
Elderly man killed in apartment fire that’s left 15 people without homes. (Video Courtesy: Fila Olea)
Firefighters performed a search of the remaining units to make sure there was no one else inside.
The fire was initially contained to the apartment where it started, but flames spread into the shared attic space, damaging all four units.
A total of 45 firefighters and personnel responded to the scene.
Fire officials say 15 residents are now without a home.
The Fresno Fire Department is working with the Red Cross to provide assistance, temporary housing resources and support to those impacted.
One additional resident, identified as the elderly man’s sister, was taken for medical evaluation due to her age and condition.
Officials said she did not appear to have any significant injuries.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire and the cause of death.
Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, but investigators believe it started in the bedroom where the elderly man was found.
The Fresno Fire Department said the building’s shared attic space allowed flames to spread through insulation across all four units.
PG&E responded to secure power and gas service to the building because of the extent of the damage.
Utilities will remain shut off until repairs are completed and the structure is restored.
The Fresno Fire Department is reminding residents that working smoke alarms, early detection, and calling 911 quickly can be critical during an emergency.