Fresno Sees Spike in Homeless Burn Injuries as Warming Centers Open

Community Regional Medical Center reports an uptick in burn-related injuries among the homeless during recent cold snap.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As temperatures dropped close to freezing in Fresno, California last week, the city opened several overnight warming centers to provide shelter for the homeless. However, Fresno Fire Department and Community Regional Medical Center have reported an uptick in burn-related injuries among the homeless population, often caused by improper use of space heaters, ovens, and makeshift fires to stay warm.

Why it matters

The rise in burn injuries highlights the challenges the homeless population faces in finding safe ways to stay warm during cold weather, as well as the importance of accessible warming centers and education on fire safety.

The details

Fresno opened three community centers as overnight warming shelters when temperatures dropped below 35 degrees, providing free transportation on the FAX bus system. The Fresno Mission also opened its own warming center, serving over 100 people on one night. However, fire officials say they've seen an increase in burn-related injuries, ranging from hands and feet to more severe cases, as some homeless individuals have resorted to using dangerous heat sources like space heaters and stovetops improperly.

  • Last week, as temperatures dipped close to freezing in Fresno.
  • Since November, the Fresno Mission has operated its own warming center.

The players

Fresno Fire Department

The local fire department that has responded to the increase in burn-related injuries among the homeless population.

Community Regional Medical Center

The hospital that has reported an uptick in burn-related injuries coming from the homeless community.

Fresno Mission

A local nonprofit that opened its own warming center since November to provide shelter during cold weather.

Josh Sellers

Fresno Fire Public Information Officer who commented on the dangers of improper use of heating sources by the homeless.

Matthew Dildine

CEO of the Fresno Mission who shared details about the spike in people seeking shelter at their warming center.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, as the temperatures drop, whether or not we're talking about the homeless community or the community in general, people are looking for ways to stay warm.”

— Josh Sellers, Fresno Fire Public Information Officer (yourcentralvalley.com)

“As soon as this cold front came through, along with the rain, we saw our numbers spike again.”

— Matthew Dildine, Fresno Mission CEO (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

Fire officials and local organizations will continue to monitor the situation and work to educate the homeless population on fire safety and the availability of warming centers during cold weather.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the critical need for accessible and safe warming shelters, as well as fire safety education, to protect the homeless population from the dangers of exposure and improper heating methods during cold weather.