Massive Fire Engulfs Hundreds of Utility Poles

An inferno spiraling into the night sky above Fresno, visible for miles. And hours later, those hundreds of utility poles were still on fire.

"That fire quickly grew from the original 4 to 6 piles to about, I think we’re up to 25 piles," Fresno Fire PIO Pete Martinez said.

Crews were called to the scene in Northwest Fresno around 4:00a.m. for piles of flammable poles. The flames spreading quickly, but the property didn’t have a fire hydrant.

"We have to lay about 2,000 feet worth of supply line down to try to get to the nearest hydrant," Martinez said.

Trying to protect their limited water supply and the safety of the firefighters, crews decided to take on a defensive mode, letting the fire burn itself out.

"We couldn’t actively go out with our hose lines and try to go to each and every pile. It just wasn’t feasible," Martinez said.

Martinez says they are on a 24 hour operation plan to get the fire out, but it could take longer.

"If it takes 48 hours, we’ll be out here for 48 hours," Martinez said.

In the meantime, they’ll be hosing down train tracks, making sure the heat doesn’t damage the rails.

"If they heat up too much, they can expand. And if expansion occurs, they can come out of alignment with joints of other tracks," Martinez said.

Now, crews are containing the flames, preventing them from spreading to other piles. Residents who live nearby say the damage has been done, and say they’re glad the firefighters are doing the most they can with the limited water available.

"You can’t save the poles and let them all burn up to nothing. And save the water because we need the water. We really need the water," local resident J.C. Howe said.

As for a cause, Martinez says it’s still under investigation.