An attic fire broke out at an apartment complex in Mission Valley Friday morning, sending fire crews rushing to the scene.
The fire began just before 6 a.m. at the two-story Centre Point Apartments in the 6500 block of Friars Road. When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke could be seen stemming from the roof of the building.
Fire officials said residents had evacuated safely.
Within minutes, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) upgraded the situation to a two-alarm fire, fearing the flames would spread to the entire length of the attic space.
Firefighters created a fire wall to prevent the spreading, cutting holes in the roof of the building to attack the blaze. The tactic worked, and they knocked out the fire within half an hour.
San Diego police were called to assist with traffic control in the busy area of Friars Road in both directions. San Diego Gas & Electric officials were also requested on scene.
As of 6:30 a.m., officials had shut down eastbound and westbound traffic on Friars Road from Via Las Cumbres to Fashion Valley Road to give fire crews more access and room to work. The closure was expected to remain in place for at least an hour.
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By 6:40 a.m., the fire was out, the SDFD confirmed. Crews were on the roof of the apartment complex assessing the fire damage to apartment units.
An SDFD battalion chief told NBC 7 four units sustained smoke and water damage from the fire -- two upstairs apartments and two downstairs. At least seven residents were displaced, including five adults and two children.
Red Cross officials are now helping with temporary housing for the displaced residents.
Investigators determiend the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical short, the SDFD said. It caused an estimed $500,000 in damage to the building and $150,000 to the contents inside the units.
Friars Road eastbound was expected to re-open to traffic by 7:30 a.m., followed by westbound, as fire crews cleared the area.
No injuries were reported.
