Riverside Fire Department

Commercial Structure Fire



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Incident Name: University Incident

Date Reported: 01/09/2020

Time Reported: 2355 Hours

Incident Location: 1333 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

Ward #: Ward 2 Melendrez

Type of Incident: Commercial Structure Fire

Incident Number: RIV #20-001009

Control Time: 01/10/2020 at 0201 Hours

Fatalities: 0

Critical: 0

Moderate: 0

Minor: 0

Non Injury: 0

Displaced Persons:

Loss: $100,000

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Cause:

  • Unintentional
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    Resources Assigned


    Chief Officer(s): 1

    Engine Companies: 3

    Truck Companies: 1

    Squad(s): 1

    Ambulance(s):

    Firefighter(s): 17

    Safety Officer(s):

    Public Information Officer(s):

    Fire Investigator(s):

    Overhead Personnel: 1

    Mutual Aid:

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    Percent (%) Contained or Completed:

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    Current Situation


    (Recent updates are posted at the top of the Current Situation)

    On January 9, 2020 at 11:55 p.m., The City of Riverside Fire Department dispatched a first alarm structure assignment to the 1300 block of University Ave for reports of a building on fire.  Firefighters arrived to find the front of an abandoned restaurant Chinese BBQ Place also the old Cask and Cleaver restaurant on fire.  Firefighters performed an aggressive fire attack and held a majority of the fire to the front portion of the structure.  There was fire extension into the attic and main area of the structure.  A homeless encampment had been set-up on the front patio area of the restaurant.  The subjects living to the front of the building were using a candle for light and accidentally started the fire.  The building had also been forced open.  A primary and secondary search of the structure was performed with no one found inside. 

    Firefighters remained on scene overhauling the structure and working with after-hours board up company to secure the property.  The Riverside Police Department also assisted.  Damage was estimated at $100,000.  A total of 17 firefighters and one chief officer responded.  There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. 


    Assisting Aid Agencies



    Incident Commander: Bruce Vanderhorst

    Prepared By: Bruce Vanderhorst

    Date / Time Posted: 01/11/2020 1719

    Information Center: 951.826.5321