Billows of smoke and flame were abound in Hillcrest Wednesday afternoon as a mixed-use Hillcrest apartment complex caught fire on the southern side of the 1000 block of University Avenue. About 100 firefighters were called on scene to squelch the flames, but the damage had already been done – nearly $1 million in damages were reported according to NBC San Diego and Maurice Luque, San Diego Fire and Rescue spokesperson.
The fire was reportedly sourced at a local Hillcrest restaurant, Buonissimo 2, located at 1027 University Avenue. High winds on Wednesday carried sparks to an older and nearby apartment complex of 12 units. The mixed-use building was also home to Obelisk, a Hillcrest bookstore.
All twelve residents at the apartment complex lost everything in the devastating fire.
Brett Serwalt, owner at Obelisk, spoke with 10News after witnessing the devastation first hand,
“I’m just really heartbroken,” he said. “When I got here I realized, ‘This is it. This is a tragedy.'”
The fire’s timing was ill-placed to Hillcrest residents and businesses as San Diego Pride is due to arrive in only a few short days.
“You know, this coming week was going to be our week,” said Serwalt. “This weekend and the whole week after… it’s like Christmas for us. Sometimes it’s even better than Christmas.”
There were no reported injuries.
Fundraiser to aid displaced residents
A benefit hosted by Big Mike & Tom Brown will take place for the displaced residents of the apartments above Obelisk bookstore at 1029 University Avenue due to the fire that caused extensive damage, earlier this week. The benefit is set for Wednesday, July 13th at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Restaurant located at 3172 5th Avenue (Fifth & Spruce; 619-295-2070) from 4 – 8 pm.
100 percent of all funds collected will go directly to the fire victims.
If you are unable to attend but would like to help, please make your tax deductible donation payable to: The Ben Dillingham Community Grant
*Important*
Please address your envelope to:
BIG MIKE PHILLIPS
P.O. BOX 33224
SAN DIEGO, CA 92163
