Smoke and flames forced dozens of people from their homes this afternoon as a fire threatened a Golden Hill apartment complex.
Neighbors watched the fire burn second and third-story balconies of the complex at Broadway and 26th Street. The fire was reported just after 4:30 p.m. and prompted an immediate evacuation. Residents said the fire was a reminder of just how fast disaster can strike.
Stephanee Shatz panicked as she returned home from work and realized it was her third-story unit up in flames.
"The first thing I thought about was my animals," Shatz said.
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Fire investigators say someone smoking near flammable material on their second-story balcony accidentally started the fire that climbed up a floor to Shatz's home.
"Sock. I feel like I'm in a dream," she said. "I go, 'Why did this happen to me?' I dont understand it."
Firefighters were able to limit the damage to two units. Once allowed back inside, Shatz found her dog, Sassy, safe inside her damaged condo.
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"A lot of debris, lot of water, lot of soot. Smells like a burnt marshmallow," she said describing the state of her apartment.
Though is missing, a neighbor who saw her searching for her cat gave her a glimmer of hope.
"I kept screaming your kitties under the bed. Ohhh so you did see him ."
As Shatz continues her search for her long-haired tuxedo cat, Beau, she wonders what's next for her long-term housing situation. She said she's going to stay the night with friends for now.
Firefighters say one person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
