Workers say a kiln caught fire at a Salvation Army store in downtown San Diego, producing thick, black smoke early Tuesday.
“The smoke was pretty black. It was almost completely obscuring the building next to us so the smoke was pretty intense,” said Salvation Army employee James Durland.
Durland said there were employees inside the thrift store on Park Boulevard between Broadway and E streets when the fire started around 8 a.m.
San Diego Fire-Rescue crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the roof of a commercial building.
A kiln and 12 mattresses were on fire inside the store.
They soon called for more engine support.
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In a few minutes, fire officials said they had the fire knocked down.
Workers say the kiln is surrounded by ceramic so the flames did not spread to the store.
Several engines blocked streets in the area of Park Boulevard and E Streets.
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