Authorities investigating possible arson after massive fire destroys central Fresno home – Fresno, California

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN)-The fire that destroyed a house in central Fresno and raised flames in the air may have been deliberately launched, officials said Monday morning.

The fire broke out after 2:30 am on Madison Avenue and Angus Street near Belmont Avenue and First Street. The first responder received multiple calls from witnesses who heard what sounded like an explosion.

When the firefighters arrived, the house was in flames and the entire roof was burning.

Neighbors told the crew that there were people in the house. The firefighters rushed into the house, but the roof was unstable and had to leave almost immediately.

Massive flames also threatened neighboring homes. A video shared by the Fresno Fire Department showed that fire is consuming a house.

It took the crew 40 minutes to contain the fire.

Five and three animals inside were able to escape the fire. One was treated for smoke inhalation, while the other was not seriously injured.

The family told investigators that they believed that someone they knew had started the fire. Authorities are currently investigating the fire as a possible arson.