Two-alarm fire damages apartment building on West Shaw Avenue

Fresno Fire Department crews responded to a two-alarm fire at an apartment complex in the 4200 block of West Shaw Avenue just after 3 a.m. Thursday, department officials said. Smoke was visible from Highway 99 as more than 30 firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which appeared to have started in a second-story unit near the building's laundry room. All residents were evacuated safely, though at least 14 were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross of Central California. "Our biggest priority right now is making sure these families have somewhere to sleep tonight," Battalion Chief Anthony Ruelas said at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. West Shaw Avenue between North Marks and North Valentine was closed for several hours during the response but has since reopened. Residents are asked to avoid the area until crews finish clearing debris.