RIVERSIDE - A large fire broke out at an apartment complex in Riverside Friday, forcing the evacuation of two buildings and sending up a thick plume of smoke.

The fire was reported at the University Riverside Gardens apartment building near Iowa Avenue and University Avenue around 11:13 a.m. It's a complex where many students live and it's just blocks from the UC Riverside campus.

Riverside fire officials say the cause appears to be accidental. They believe a contractor was doing work on the property in one of the walls, and the fire sparked without him knowing it.

About 100 firefighters and 25 engines were on scene at one point battling the blaze.

Police were able to evacuate the building. The Riverside Fire Department says that about 150 people have been displaced. No injuries were reported. Firefighters believe the building will be a total loss.

There are approximately 112 units at the complex, 50 of which were fully engulfed in flames, fire officials told Eyewitness News. (Source: KABC)

Story Date: May 29, 2026