FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – New fiery footage released by Fresno Fire shows crews carrying an unconscious man from a burning building in Chinatown.
This happened on Nov. 9, just before midnight on F Street. Despite firefighters’ struggle to gain entry, the man survived.
“Fire grows in size every minute,” said Fresno Fire Public Information Officer Josh Sellers.
Sellers says there were security bars on the windows and doors, preventing crews from getting inside as quickly as possible. They had to use saws and hand tools to cut off the bars on the door.
“The longer it takes for crews to actually get inside and get water on the fire, start cooling it down, extinguishing it, it’s allowing it to grow and grow and get bigger and worse,” Sellers added.
After 10 minutes, the firefighters finally got in and found an unconscious man who, Sellers says, suffered from smoke inhalation.
“He did have a pulse, but was not doing so well.”
They took the man, who they believed to be homeless, to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. He has since been released from the hospital and is expected to be okay.
Now, they have a message for folks who still have security bars on their windows, which could be the difference between life and death.
“Required, now, code to have a quick release mechanism inside so that in the event you are inside the house, it’s on fire, you’re not trapped,” Sellers explained.
Every year, Fresno Fire gets called out to hundreds of structure fires. And with the cooler months coming around, they expect things to get busier. This year, they’ve responded to over 800 structure fires.
“Which is actually down from this time last year. So we are seeing a slight decrease so far.”
In Chinatown, vacant buildings and homeless camping outside are a common sight to patrons and business owners.
“Early in the morning is when I see them still more present from the cold nights. You know, they still have their small little bonfires,” claimed Aracely Jimenez. She is a barber at Colima Barbershop & Salon, which is down the street from last Sunday’s fire.
“They sleep right in front of the door during business hours still. And I have to kindly, gently, deter them away,” Jimenez shared.
The cause of the fire, officials say, is still under investigation.
In compliance with the city’s code enforcement, a building vacant for more than 30 days must be registered with the city. There’s also a list of rules owners have to follow. One of which is ensuring all windows and doors are secured so trespassers can’t get in. Those who do not comply could face penalties.
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