Large fire erupts at Riverside apartment building, 2 buildings evacuated at University Riverside Gardens

RIVERSIDE, Calif. () — A large fire broke out at an apartment complex in Riverside Friday, forcing the evacuation of two buildings and displacing about 150 people.

The fire was reported at the University Riverside Gardens apartment building near Iowa Avenue and University Avenue around 11:13 a.m. It’s a complex where many students live and it’s just blocks from the UC Riverside campus.

Riverside fire officials believe the blaze started accidentally, saying a contractor using a blowtorch to repair plumbing unknowingly sparked a fire behind a wall. The fire burned up to the attic, with flames later bursting through the roof.

AIR7 was over the scene as raging flames shot through the roof of the structure. Firefighters on the ground and on ladder trucks were seen shooting water at the flames from various angles. About 100 firefighters and 25 engines were on scene at one point battling the blaze.

Police were able to evacuate the building. The Riverside Fire Department says that about 150 people have been displaced. No injuries were reported. Firefighters believe the building will be a total loss.

Fire officials also said all people who live at the apartment complex have been accounted for. Seven cats and a dog have been rescued, and firefighters were still searching for more.

Many of the students evacuated are preparing for final exams.

“Right now what’s on my mind – what’s happening to my lease, what is happening to my clothes and my computer and why is this happening during finals week,” said Hiei Trinh, a displaced tenant.

There are approximately 112 units at the complex, 50 of which were fully engulfed in flames, fire officials told Eyewitness News.

“The police just came in and they’re telling us to evacuate, so I couldn’t even grab anything… I’ve got nothing right now,” student Charity Udinge said.

Jocelyn Juarez was stunned when she saw that her home was gone.

“I’m just stressed out, devastated that I lost a of things, a lot of memories,” she said.

In the evening, workers started to board up windows at the complex.

Some residents whose units did not burn were allowed to pick up a few belongings before heading to hotel rooms. Others are staying in a shelter provided by the Red Cross.

No further details were immediately known.