Freeway fires on the rise in Fresno: What you can do

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fires along the side of multiple highways have begun to spring up all over Fresno.

YourCentralValley.com reached out to Fresno Fire officials to find out just how prominent the fires are and what residents can do to help.

According to Fresno Fire, as of 8 a.m. on Friday, firefighters have responded to 796 fires along freeways.

Compared to 620 this time last year, Fresno Fire has responded to over 100 more calls this year, which is just one added challenge, not to mention everything involved with putting out a single freeway fire.

Freeway fires pose challenges for firefighters, as they have to contend with a limited water supply – fire engines can only carry 500 to 750 gallons of water.

Without fire hydrants, they may need to request additional engines or water tenders to shuttle water.

Another hazard crews face is the traffic.

Fresno Fire officials ask drivers to slow down and move over to give crews a safer area to operate in.

The Fire Department has been working with Caltrans to identify the “higher hazard” areas as well as the areas that are more prone to fires.

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