A major fire tore through the San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club today, sending heavy smoke across Mission Bay and leaving one side of the bayside clubhouse partially collapsed. The blaze triggered a large emergency response, and by the time crews were done, the building was red‑tagged as unsafe to occupy. Firefighters stayed on scene into the afternoon to root out stubborn pockets of fire hidden inside the roof.
Fire crews battle hidden blaze in roof space
San Diego Fire‑Rescue said it received a call reporting smoke and flames at the club on North Mission Bay Drive and dispatched about 80 personnel to the scene. Firefighters found an active blaze in a rear patio area and in a concealed space between the roof and attic, a hidden fire that caused structural damage and a partial collapse on one side of the building.
Battalion Chief James Diaz told FOX5 San Diego that the fire was trapped and burning for quite a while, and that crews limited damage and protected most of the structure interior. The building was red‑tagged as unsafe to occupy, and the SDFD Metro Arson Strike Team was called in to determine the cause and estimate damage.
Club history and packed calendar put on hold
The San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club has been a long‑standing presence on Mission Bay and operates as a nonprofit membership organization. The club’s website lists upcoming events, including a Mother’s Day brunch scheduled for Sunday, that may be affected while the property remains closed for inspection, according to the club’s online calendar at SDMBBSC.org.
Investigation and what comes next
Officials said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation and that arson investigators will process the scene before releasing a damage estimate. With the property red‑tagged, inspectors and city staff will coordinate next steps on permits and repairs before any reopening.
Ripple effects for Mission Bay
The boat club sits inside Mission Bay Park and regularly hosts events and boating activities, so damage to the clubhouse could ripple into scheduled gatherings and nearby water‑use plans. City records show the club operates under a city lease, according to the City of San Diego, which means municipal inspections and lease requirements will factor into reopening and repair plans.
Officials have not released a full damage estimate, and questions remain about what started the blaze. We will update this story as officials release more information.
