Nearly two dozen residents of a high-end apartment complex in the East Village were displaced and one person was taken to a hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation after a two-alarm fire broke out in one of the units Saturday afternoon, officials said.

“We are in the process of inspecting all of the units that were damaged today,” said Paul Downey, president and CEO of Serveving Seniors of San Diego, which oversees the 200-unit Potiker Family Senior Residence on 14th Street near Market Street.

Fire officials said the fire started in a mattress in a fifth-floor apartment around 2:15 p.m. and was caused by “smoking materials.”

All 23 displaced people were taken to long-term hotels and given meals until lunchtime on Monday, Downey said.

“Most of the damage was water from the sprinkler system,” Downey said. He said some residents may return on Monday, while others will stay out longer if their apartments need more extensive repairs.

Upon the notice of the fire, more than 90 firefighters were dispatched and the entire building was evacuated. The Red Cross also provided aid to some citizens. Most residents were allowed to return about three hours after power was restored.

There was minimal damage to the first floor of the building, which includes recreation and dining areas for residents. Potiker housing was built in 2003 as supportive housing for low-income seniors. On-site services include dining, health care, case management and entertainment programs.

First Publication Date: November 3, 2024 17:04 PST