Overview

• The blaze broke out around 2 a.m. Friday on the 500 block of Fifth Avenue between Anza and Balboa streets.
• Fire officials report that three of the five affected three-story residential buildings were destroyed.
• More than 30 residents were evacuated and directed to a staging area at Fifth and Cabrillo.
• Forward progress of the fire was stopped by 4:30 a.m., though crews continued to battle interior hotspots.
• No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters during the operation.