A swift-moving inferno swept through an apartment complex in Riverside, leaving around 150 people, including students from UC Riverside, without a place to call home.
The fire ignited at approximately 11:11 a.m. at University Riverside Gardens, situated at 3996 Iowa Avenue, just a short distance from the UC Riverside campus.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were already piercing through the roof, signaling how quickly the blaze had engulfed the structure.
Riverside Fire Division Chief Greg White informed The California Post that the fire affected nearly 50 of the 112 units in the building, forcing residents to evacuate as it ravaged the complex.
In total, around 150 individuals had to leave their homes.
White noted that the displaced included students, although the precise number of UC Riverside students affected remains unclear.
“Many” students were among the displaced, according to NBC.
All residents made it out safely, and no injuries were reported.
While the apartment complex is not owned or operated by UC Riverside, university officials said they are working to provide support and basic needs to any students impacted by the fire.
“While the affected property is not owned or operated by UCR, the university is working to determine how many UCR students reside at that location and provide resources and basic needs,” a spokesperson said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
