Weekend proves busy for local fire department

The Porterville Fire Department is investigating three separate fires that occurred over the weekend — two involving vacant structures and one a hotel room at Motel 6.

The first of the three blazes was reported at 9:16 p.m. Friday and took place in the 300 block of South B Street. The PFD said the arriving crew found flames and heavy smoke coming from the structure’s front door and side. Fire crews then noticed the structure appeared to be vacant and after a search, determined there were no occupants inside.

Damage to the building was estimated at $8,000.

Roughly two hours later, while mopping up at the B Street incident, firefighters were dispatched to a second fire in the 200 block of West Date Avenue. The PFD said that when crews arrived, they saw fire and heavy smoke showing from the back and side of a vacant building. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, which caused around $400 in damage to the structure.

At 2:31 p.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to a report of Motel 6 on fire at 935 W. Morton Ave. Fire personnel were advised that black smoke and flames were coming out of the hotel’s roof. When they arrived, firefighters found one room releasing smoke on the motel’s second story. After forcing entry into the room, firefighters encountered moderate smoke and fire. Crews extinguished the flames with one hose line and managed to contain the fire to the single room. The fire caused an estimated $2,000 in damage. The PFD said the building’s alarm system alerted occupants of the fire and nobody was injured as a result of the blaze.

All three fires are under investigation.

The PFD asks anyone with information regarding the B Street incident to leave an anonymous tip with a fire department representative by calling 782-7526.