Early this morning, a fire broke out in a parking structure at 2548 Kettner Blvd, sending plumes of smoke over the downtown area. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) responded quickly, with crews arriving on the scene shortly before 7 a.m. As flames engulfed one vehicle initially, the structure's fire suppression system sprang into action, though the challenge was far from over.
The blaze soon spread to two additional vehicles, all three hybrids – a factor that complicated the firefighting efforts due to the batteries. A statement released by SDFD detailed that the fire wasn't easily subdued because of these batteries, prompting a call for a HAZMAT unit to assist. 46 personnel across various units, including three trucks and five engines, battled the fire that was eventually knocked down at 7:34 a.m., fortunately without the need for evacuations or injuries reported.
Though no injuries were reported, the morning incident caused concern amongst residents as SDFD's presence grew in the heart of downtown. An X post from SDFD confirmed the fire was knocked down and praised the swift actions of responders, which ensured public safety, citing the sprinkler system's importance in mitigating the fire's spread.
Several crews fighting a fire in the parking structure 2458 Kettner. Three hybrid vehicles are burning. The sprinkler system in the structure activated. Extended time to put these fires out because of batteries. HAZMAT unit requested. pic.twitter.com/zADZtXhPUh
— SDFD (@SDFD) February 29, 2024
Despite the robust response, no fire investigator has been assigned to probe the origins of the fire, which remains unclear at this time.
