Construction on part of California’s high-speed rail project was abruptly halted Wednesday morning after flames tore through a work zone at the Church Avenue overpass in southeast Fresno, forcing the closure of nearby rail tracks and drawing a large response from Fresno Fire crews.
The blaze erupted shortly before 9 a.m. in an area packed with temporary building materials used to form the concrete structure. Thick smoke could be seen rising above the site as firefighters positioned ladder trucks over active rail lines.
"There's a lot of plywood and lumber that's involved in this," Josh Sellers with Fresno Fire said.
Workers, all unharmed, watched as firefighters attacked from above.
"We have the railroad tracks here that we ended up having to close down and stop the trains because we have a ladder truck in place that's blocking the tracks," Sellers said.
Investigators believe the fire was connected to routine construction activity, though an exact cause has not yet been determined. Aerial footage released by the High-Speed Rail Authority last year showed the same framework now damaged.
"This is the shoring framework that the concrete is then poured in place, and that becomes the permanent structure," Sellers said on Wednesday.
Fire officials said protecting the adjacent rail corridor became a priority as crews worked to keep flames from spreading to equipment and nearby properties. Train service through the area was suspended for several hours, creating logistical challenges for both freight and passenger operations.
Authorities confirmed that all construction workers were evacuated immediately and that no injuries were reported. By late morning, firefighters had gained control of the blaze, though hot spots continued to smolder.
The incident adds to the long list of challenges facing California’s signature infrastructure project. The California High-Speed Rail is more than six years behind and nearly $100 billion over budget.
"We care about folks in Fresno, Kings, Tulare," Governor Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday. "We care about folks all across the Central Valley."
The comments came at an event in Kern County, where officials opened a new facility to lay down track.
Eleven years after groundbreaking in Fresno, the project is still not operating.
"This is not just a transportation project," Governor Newsom said. "This is about reimagining the future of this region. One of the fastest, most dynamic regions - fastest growing - in the state of California. It's a point of pride."
With the Church Avenue overpass scheduled for completion next month, local leaders are now waiting to learn whether the damage will push back that deadline. Engineers are expected to inspect the concrete forms and support structures in the coming days.
On Wednesday, the High-Speed Rail Authority issued a statement confirming everyone evacuated safely.
"Thanks to the work of (the) Fresno Fire Department, the fire has been extinguished," a spokesperson said. "We will continue to support and coordinate ... as needed."
The overpass is scheduled to be finished by next month. There is no word on how the fire will impact that timeline.
Originally reported by Gabe Ferris in ABC 30.
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