March 17, 2023 - Center Fire Department personnel responded to two house fires on Sunday, March 12, 2023, with one in the county and the other within the Center city limits.
The first fire took place before dawn in the 3000 block of State Highway 7 East at 4:06am. According to the Center Fire Department, when fire personnel arrived at the house, the structure was well involved in fire and there was smoke throughout the house. Fire personnel entered the building and began performing a search for anyone inside the structure. Due to worsening conditions, the firefighters backed out of the building and due to the need of additional support called for assistance from the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, who responded with other units and provided additional water.
Indications are the fire started in the back of the structure; however, the cause is unknown. It was later confirmed the house was unoccupied. Fire personnel returned to the station at 8:31am.
Later that day at 4:43pm, fire personnel were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1300 block of Louisiana Street, and when they arrived arrived heavy smoke could be seen pushing from the attic space of a brick structure. Fire was showing through a window and door on the left side of the house, and entry was made into the home where the main body of the fire was knocked down at that time.
It was then discovered that fire had made its way into the attic space. Ventilation was made and final extinguishment was accomplished. Once it was determined all fire was clear, the fire department units returned to the station at 7pm.
