Large fire erupts in Merced’s downtown, two firefighters hurt with minor injuries
Two firefighters received minor injuries after a large blaze erupted in a building late Thursday night in downtown Merced.
Merced Fire Chief Derek Parker said the firefighters suffered a small burn and a turned ankle.
Firefighters responded to the scene at 10:19 p.m. in the 100 block of West Main Street at H Street, just on the edge of the downtown core.
Parker said the area where the blaze happened was vacant, but nearby businesses immediately west of the building suffered smoke damage.
“(Those businesses) are not going to be shut down, but they are going to be closed for right now,” Parker said Friday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Parker acknowledged unhoused people had been living in the space “for quite awhile.”
Firefighters arrived at the scene and were met by heavy smoke emanating from the front of the building and broken windows exposed to the air.
Firefighters could see flames deep in the building, and some residents told firefighters people might be left inside.
Parker said thus far it appears no one was inside, but the investigation continues. Parker said the building contained a lot of debris. The blaze caved in the entire roof of the building.
The main part of the fire was contained by 1 a.m. and firefighters remained on scene until 6 a.m.
Firefighters say curious onlookers should stay away from the scene.
A total of 25 firefighters responded to the scene. That included five engines and a truck company from Merced City Fire, two chiefs, two engines and a battalion chief from Cal Fire/Merced County Fire Department.
