Large Riverside Apartment Fire Displaces 150 Residents

Around 150 people have been displaced after a large apartment fire broke out in Riverside earlier Thursday afternoon.

Officials say the fire started just before noon at the University Riverside Gardens Apartments near Iowa Avenue and Everton Place, close to the campus of UC Riverside.

The blaze forced the evacuation of two apartment buildings as firefighters worked to contain the flames. Thick smoke could be seen rising high into the air, prompting a large emergency response from fire crews and law enforcement agencies throughout the area.

Fire officials say multiple agencies assisted in managing the scene, helping evacuate residents and secure nearby streets while crews battled the fire.

A temporary care and assistance center was established at Bordwell Park in Riverside for residents displaced by the fire. Officials say support services were being provided for those forced from their homes.

At this time, investigators have not determined what caused the fire. Authorities also have not confirmed whether there were any injuries connected to the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.