Massive fire rips through Berkeley business complex Wednesday

BERKELEY, Calif. ( KRON ) — The Berkeley Fire Department responded early Wednesday morning to a fire at a business complex in the Southwest Berkeley neighborhood. The blaze started at approximately 2:42 a.m. when alarms went off at the building, fire officials said.

The fire, located on the 700 block of Heinz Avenue, grew to a three-alarm response as thousands of gallons of water were streamed into the structure. According to Berkeley FD Battalion Chief Bill Kehoe, the roof collapsed early on. At that time, fire crews had already been pulled out from the interior.

Berkeley firefighters continue to douse hot spots as of 8 a.m., where aerial streams and a neighboring roof were used to get an angle down into the affected structure.

Fire officials said downed power lines in the area created initial issues, and the power was turned off for the block for the safety of the crew.

The business complex houses two offices, according to officials at the scene.

Kehoe said that there is a possibility of an encampment fire on the backside of the building, but it is currently undetermined how the fire started. The cause is still under investigation.

No injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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