A fire that tore through a Riverside condominium complex, injuring one occupant and displacing a total of six, caused an estimated $1 million in damage, officials said Wednesday.
The blaze erupted at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday in the Mission Villas at 200 E. Alessandro Blvd., just off Mission Grove Parkway, in the southeast quarter of the city, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
The agency said eight engine crews and three truck companies, numbering almost 50 personnel, were sent to the location and encountered “fire in the attic, with residents evacuating.”
One occupant was found outside the two-story building suffering from smoke inhalation and was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment. The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was expected to fully recover, according to officials.
“The incident was upgraded to three alarms,” Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst said. “Firefighters held the fire to a total of four units.”
The blaze was declared under control at 4:05 p.m.
“The fire remains under investigation. However, it appears to be accidental,” Vanderhorst said.
Along with the party taken to the hospital, five other residents were displaced due to the extent of the damage, which Vanderhorst confirmed was roughly $1 million. The entire property was valued at $3 million.
The battalion chief said the displaced occupants declined assistance from the Red Cross in finding temporary alternate lodgings and instead elected to seek shelter with friends and relatives in the area.