Long Beach
Fire Department

At 5:40 P.M. this evening, Long Beach Firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire on the 2000 block of Chestnut Avenue. Upon the arrival of Engine 3, Heavy smoke and fire was visible from the 2nd story of a 19 unit, 2 story, center hallway apartment complex. Based on the number of residents evacuating the structure and the significant amount of smoke and fire observed, a 2nd alarm was requested at 5:51 P.M. The fire was quickly confined to the unit of origin. Multiple ground ladders were placed and 1 person was assisted to safety by firefighters. Significant smoke damage was noted throughout 2nd floor. 3 other units sustained damaged during firefighting operations. Red Cross has been requested to provide support for 5 families (16 people) that have been displaced. 3 people were treated and released onscene for complaints of smoke inhalation. No firefighters were injured. Onscene fire investigators have identified the fire as accidental in nature caused by the storage of combustible materials on top of the stove.