Incident Name: Streeter Incident
Date Reported: 05/03/2026Time Reported: 1522 hours
Incident Location: 5261 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Ward #: Ward 3 Robillard
Type of Incident: Structure Fire
Incident Number: RIV #26-016149
Control Time: 1600 hours
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Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 1
Engine Companies: 3
Truck Companies: 1
Squad(s): 1
Ambulance(s): 1
Firefighter(s): 17
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s): 1
Overhead Personnel:
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Current Situation
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the City of Riverside Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the former Sears Building located at 5261 Arlington Avenue in Riverside.
The first-arriving companies found smoke coming from the vacant automotive building. Firefighters initiated fire attack operations and performed forcible entry to gain access to the structure. During the incident, an unhoused individual approached the Incident Command Post and advised the Incident Commander that two additional occupants were believed to be living in the basement area of the building.
Firefighters immediately conducted a primary search and successfully located both occupants, removing them safely from the structure. Neither individual sustained injuries. Fire personnel then extinguished the fire and completed overhaul operations.
Personnel from the Riverside Police Department and the Fire Department’s Arson Investigator responded to the scene and conducted interviews with the occupants. During the investigation, firefighters discovered multiple makeshift living areas throughout the structure.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A contractor has been requested to respond to the scene to secure the building.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 5/3/2026 1747 hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321
