Three people, including a police officer, were taken to the hospital after a fire at a Point Loma apartment complex, officials confirmed Saturday.
A witness says she heard what sounded like an explosion coming from the Loma Highlands Apartments at 2185 Chatsworth Boulevard around 2:36 p.m.
"It was kind of like 'poof' and then glass -- the sound of glass breaking," said Nancy Kay, who lives nearby.
Soon after, she saw a plume of black smoke rising from the building.
Fire officials say a home remodeling project was to blame. A bathtub was being refurbished in an upstairs unit, and vapors used in the process were sparked by electrical tools.
"And what I saw was a skinny young man without a shirt on running back and forth acting like he was hurt. Like he was there when it happened," said Kay.
A painter working in the unit was burned in the fire. Officials say a San Diego Police officer suffered from smoke inhalation as he went in to help the burn victim.
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A third person in a nearby apartment reported feeling dizzy and short of breath, so paramedics took her to the hospital as well.
Firefighters quickly responded and were able to control the blaze, but not before two units were damaged.
The flames heavily damaged an upstairs unit and did minor damage to the apartment below it.
The Red Cross has responded to help 20 to 25 people find temporary housing.
The damage is estimated to be around $300,000.
