Sheriff’s investigators are trying to determine what sparked a fire that gutted a townhouse in La Mesa late Tuesday, leaving other residents in the complex temporarily displaced.
The blaze was reported at a complex on Morro Way near Marengo Avenue shortly before 10:55 p.m. Fire crews didn’t immediately enter the structure until police gave them the all-clear.
“Violence was initially reported to have occurred before the fire started,” Heartland Fire spokesperson Andy McKellar said. “For the safety of firefighters, they waited until police cleared it to go in.”
The fire was contained to the unit, although neighboring townhouses may have suffered water damage. Damage from the fire was estimated to be around $500,000.
Power was cut off to the building, and the Red Cross was called in to help those who needed assistance finding temporary lodging. One resident was evaluated by paramedics but refused to be transported to the hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The sheriff’s bomb-arson unit was called out to investigate.
A sheriff’s spokesperson referred questions about the case to La Mesa police. A La Mesa police spokesperson could not be immediately reached.
Firefighters from San Miguel and San Diego fire departments assisted in the incident.
