A fire tore through an abandoned commercial property that formerly housed Anthony’s Fish Grotto early Thursday in Chula Vista.
The blaze happened just before 3 a.m. at 215 Bay Blvd., which sits to the west of Interstate 5, Chula Vista Fire Battalion Chief Brendan Barahura told OnScene TV. Firefighters determined the fire started outside the building and spread into the structure, resulting in heavy damage. A large amount of trash was found both inside and surrounding the property and firefighters believe it may have originated from unhoused residents in the area. Some of the trash was on fire at the blaze’s point of origin, Barahura said. The cause has not yet been determined.
Firefighters also had difficulty accessing the building due to the construction fencing around it, Barahura said, adding that it appears the building is slated to be torn down.