3-Alarm Condo Fire Breaks Out in Temecula Heights Neighborhood, Near I-8

The fire was put out, but if SDG&E can't turn the electricity on the residents may not be able to return home

Residents of a Point Loma condo building were left homeless Saturday night after a three-alarm condo fire broke out Saturday afternoon, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD).

The fire started in the cluttered, third level condo of an elderly couple, officials said. The husband, who was home at the time was treated for exhaustion. 

It was reported at about 1:40 p.m. on 4444 West Point Loma Boulevard, after the fire was seen billowing ashen smoke from the third level of an apartment, said an SDFD official.

Within 10 minutes, San Diego police were headed to the area to safely redirect traffic around the hazardous zone, according to SDFD. 

West point Loma Boulevard was quickly shut down as more than 100 firefighters and investigators filled the street and condo complex.

"This was really hard. Because of that common hallway, it was so hot that crews could not make access down that hallway. They had to open it up from the rooftop and then also do a transitional attack from the balcony from the outside and cool it down before they could make access,” Colin Stowell, Asst. Fire Chief of SD Fire, said.

Firefighters helped one person evacuate before attacking the flames.

Up to 60 people were evacuated from 32 condos. A firefighter suffered a minor injury. No one was taken to the hospital. 

Although the fire is out, San Diego Gas &Electric was unable to turn the electricity back on leaving the residents unable to go back home. 

The Red Cross is helping the residents find temporary shelter. 

The estimated damage is $1 million: $750,000 in structural damage and $250,000 for the contents of the building. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.

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