Fresno firefighters respond to second fire this month caused by children

Authorities urge parents to be vigilant after two recent blazes sparked by kids playing with fire

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Fresno Fire Department is warning parents to be on high alert after responding to a second fire this month that was caused by children playing with fire. The latest incident occurred at an apartment building in Central Fresno, where firefighters found smoke coming from the structure. Two people, including an 8-year-old child, were able to escape without injury. Investigators determined the fire was sparked by a child playing with a candle.

Why it matters

Fires caused by children playing with fire can pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in densely populated residential areas. The Fresno Fire Department is concerned about the recent uptick in these types of incidents and is urging parents to closely supervise their children and educate them on fire safety.

The details

Firefighters responded to the latest fire just before noon at an apartment building off Fresno Street and Belmont Avenue in Central Fresno. They found smoke coming from the two-story multi-unit structure, and two people, including an 8-year-old child, were able to escape unharmed. Neighbors used fire extinguishers to help put out the flames before firefighters arrived. Investigators later determined the fire was caused by a child playing with a candle.

  • The latest fire occurred just before noon on February 28, 2026.
  • This was the second fire this month caused by children playing with fire.

The players

Fresno Fire Department

The municipal fire department responsible for responding to fires and other emergencies in Fresno, California.

8-year-old child

A young resident of the apartment building who was inside when the fire started but was able to escape unharmed.

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What’s next

The Fresno Fire Department is urging parents to closely supervise their children and educate them on fire safety to prevent future incidents.

The takeaway

Fires caused by children playing with fire can pose a serious threat to public safety, and the recent uptick in these types of incidents in Fresno highlights the importance of parental supervision and fire safety education for young people.