A significant fire has destroyed the boarded-up former Carl's Jr. restaurant in central Fresno, California, leading to a partial building collapse. The fire broke out shortly after 6:00 p.m. on McKinley and Blackstone Avenues, with heavy smoke and flames visible from the structure. Fresno Fire Department responded with approximately 56 firefighters, during which one firefighter sustained minor burns. Authorities suspect the fire was started by homeless individuals, as the building had been vacant and boarded up since 2025. The site had been a concern for the city for months, due to ongoing homeless activity and previous fires, especially given its proximity to a neighboring Taco Bell. The city had been actively replacing security boards on the property and was in the process of planning demolition, with bids opened nine days prior and a contract scheduled for approval on February 19. The property is part of a broader city plan to clear vacant buildings for a major railroad rerouting project. City officials expressed concern over the lightweight construction of the surrounding commercial buildings, which could be vulnerable to fire damage. The incident highlights ongoing issues of urban neglect, homelessness, and safety risks associated with vacant properties in Fresno.