Flames engulf El Cajon apartment complex; at least 20 residents displaced

EL CAJON

At least 20 residents of an El Cajon apartment complex were displaced Tuesday night after f lames engulfed a second-story unit in the building, authorities said.

Several 911 callers reported the blaze just after 7:20 p.m. at the Terraza Hills apartment complex on East Bradley Avenue between state Route 67 and North Mollison Avenue, according to San Diego sheriff ’s Sgt. Patrick Fox.

Deputies helped evacuate 10 nearby apartments as firefighters worked to extinguish the f lames, Fox said in a news release. No injuries were reported.

“After the Fire Department conducted their investigation and spoke to the occupants of the involved apartment, it appeared the kitchen stove was left on and unattended and is believed to have been the cause of the fire,” Fox said.

Crews from Heartland Fire & Rescue, San Miguel Fire Protection District and the Santee Fire Department all helped battle the blaze. San Miguel fire officials reported on Instagram that firefighters were able to contain the f lames to just one unit.

Though only one apartment was burned, five others sustained smoke damage, water damage or both, according to Fox.

About 20 residents in 10 nearby apartments were left displaced Tuesday night due to the smoke and water damage in some units, and the electricity being cut off to the building.

Fox said San Diego Gas & Electric crews were working late Tuesday night to restore power, once it was safe. American Red Cross personnel set up a staging area in a nearby parking lot for those who were displaced.

Emergency crews remained at the scene as of 10 p.m.