Eight buildings were damaged or destroyed after a blaze erupted at an apartment complex construction site near the 10 Freeway in Upland Wednesday morning.
The fire was reported near the intersection of East 9th Street and 13th Avenue, the San Bernardino County Fire Department tweeted just before 6:30 a.m.
More than 60 firefighters, 15 fire engines and five trucks were sent to attack the blaze, which had extended to an adjacent apartment building, the Fire Department stated.
High radiant heat and exposed lumber contributed to the spread of the flames, challenging firefighting efforts. Crews surrounded the large fire working to keep it from spreading building to building.
Aerial video from Sky5 showed several structures appeared to have been burned to the ground as a result of the blaze.
Despite the firefighters’ efforts, an attic fire impacted a two-story apartment building in the 1300 block of Chaffee, officials said.
In total, eight apartment buildings in various stages of construction were damaged or destroyed, including one occupied eight-unit apartment, the department said.
More than a dozen threatened structures were saved during the “intense” firefight.
“No damage estimates are available but the losses are significant,” according to the department.
Due to smoke and water damage, 25 residents were displaced. The Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced residents.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries, the department said.
No information about a possible cause of the fire was immediately available. The fire remains under investigation.
