Fire at former Fresno restaurant highlights the dangers of vacant buildings

FRESNO, Calif (FOX26) — Vacant buildings may seem harmless, but officials warn they can pose serious dangers for both the public and firefighters.

This is after the former Jebs Blueberry Hill Restaurant on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning.

A 2018 report from the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA), shows that fires in vacant buildings accounted for just 6% of structure fires between 2011 and 2015, but caused 13% of firefighter injuries.

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Fire safety guidelines recommends keeping vacant buildings clear of combustible materials, securing doors and windows and maintaining fire protection systems like sprinklers and alarms.

Local authorities say inspections and code enforcement are key to keeping both the public and first responders safe.

NFPA also emphasizes a coordinated approach to safety, called the Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem.

It includes training firefighters to understand potential hazards, educating the public and ensuring local governments prioritize safety.

Officials encourage residents to report unsafe vacant buildings to local authorities and remind property owners to follow fire safety regulations.