Updated 7/10/18: This article has been updated to reflect information from BFD spokesperson Keith May.
A fire broke out behind the old Ace Hardware building on the 2100 block of University Avenue on Monday evening about 10:11 p.m. Berkeley Fire Department was on the scene at about 10:15 p.m., and the fire was under control as of 10:32 p.m., according to BFD spokesperson Keith May.
A fire broke out in downtown Berkeley tonight around 10:15 pm — here’s footage captured from a nearby apartment building. pic.twitter.com/ZnQ1VCeSc8
— Revati Thatte (@revati_thatte) July 10, 2018
As of 10:45 p.m., people were standing outside, and the fire appeared to be contained. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.
According to May, a 20-by-200-foot storage shed behind the old Ace Hardware building was consumed by the fire. Additionally, there was some heat damage to an adjacent brick building, a staircase and an apartment building next to the structure.
May stated that the fire was most likely caused by an open flame ignition, possibly by a homeless individual who was known to be residing in that vicinity.
The fire is still under investigation.
Revati Thatte is an assistant news editor. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @revati_thatte.
