Fresno firefighters responded on July 27 to a blaze outside the Mission Thrift Store — the third fire at the location in recent weeks — but investigators say the latest incident was again accidental.

Crews were dispatched to the store on East Sierra Avenue around 1:10 p.m., where they found a large pile of donated items burning outside the building, the Fresno Fire Department reported.

A total of 39 firefighters worked for more than five hours to put out the fire and ensure no hot spots remained, officials said.

Following a detailed investigation that included an on-site inspection and review of security footage, the department ruled out arson and confirmed the fire was accidental — consistent with the previous two fires at the same location.

The department said it takes repeated incidents seriously and is working with the store’s property owner and management to prevent future fires.

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