Firefighters in National City responded to a fire that destroyed a structure reported Monday evening.
The second-alarm fire started at about 4:30 p.m. Monday near 4th St. and Highland, authorities with the Heartland Fire Department said.
Flames could be seen coming from the sides and the roof of the structure, and heavy smoke was visible from the surrounding area.
The flames spread quickly, and the building was a total loss just one hour after the fire was reported.
About 20 people lived inside the multi-story building with at least two businesses on the first floor. About 15 apartments were in the upper floors of the structure.
Only one person was inside the fire when it started, but the person made it out unharmed. Witnesses said people were jumping off the roof to escape the fire.
One firefighter was treated for minor burns, according to the fire department.
Local
Several businesses are also near the structure, including an H&R Block and a 99 cents store. Business owners say they have been told it's unlikely that they'll ever be allowed to go into that building again, since the damage was so severe.
Not counting those businesses or the contents inside the units, the fire caused roughly $938,000 in damage.
It is unknown at this time what caused the fire, but it is being investigated.
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