NorthPointe Church in Fresno experienced a false fire alarm on March 19, 2026, when a fog machine was accidentally left running, filling the building with smoke. The Fresno Fire Department responded, arriving to find no flames but significant smoke. They used a Mobile Ventilation Unit to clear the air. No injuries or damage occurred, and the incident was resolved without further issues.
This event highlights that while fog machines are used in some modern church services—especially for stage effects and lighting enhancement—their use requires careful management to avoid triggering fire alarms. Some churches, including NorthPointe, may use fog or haze machines for special events or worship services, but they must ensure compliance with fire safety codes and proper equipment handling.
Firefighters brought in a Mobile Ventilation Unit, which is a large vehicle-mounted fan, to “help clear the haze and return the building to normal conditions.”
