San Diego : Fire Destroys Five Businesses
A fire that started in an attic of a University Avenue bar late Wednesday night quickly destroyed five businesses within a half-block area before firefighters were able to extinguish it, a San Diego Fire Department spokesman said.
Officials believe the fire started in the attic above Scotty’s Cocktail Lounge at 4257 University Ave. before spreading to the other businesses that share the same attic, spokesman Larry Stewart said.
In addition to the bar, the fire destroyed Mitchell’s Gifts, Lewton’s Inc., an annex of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9512, and a bakery.
No injuries were reported, but firefighters, fearing the blaze would spread, evacuated about 20 people from 13 apartments on the block.
The fire was reported about 11:20 p.m. by patrons leaving the bar.
About 85 firefighters battled the three-alarm fire for nearly two hours before bringing it under control, Stewart said. Damage to the buildings alone was estimated at $500,000. But when the contents are added, the damage could go as high as $1 million, he said. The Metro Arson Strike Team is investigating the fire.
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