Fire above Obelisk and Torreon Importers
Yesterday at about 3pm roofers using an open flame accidently sparked what turned into a three-alarm fire that has destroyed 15 apartments above Obelisk Bookstore. Dozens of fire trucks responded to the 1000 block of University Avenue between Vermont & Tenth. Three ladder trucks poured 900 gallons of water per minute on the inferno which attracted scores of onlookers along a closed University Avenue. This block of Edwardian historical buildings is unique to the city and one of the oldest business areas remaining in Hillcrest.
The large menacing smoke plume could be seen all over Uptown with the smell heading toward North Park. The blaze quickly advanced from a one-alarm to a three-alarm fire on the second story of the building. At 3:24pm, firefighters were pulled from the building to take a defensive approach to the flames, hosing it from above with multiple ladders. A third alarm requesting additional firefighter assistance was called at about 3:40pm. Businesses nearest the apartment complex include Buonissimo 2, Torreon Importers and Obelisk. HillcrestVideo’s on YouTube showing the fire and photos to Facebook have been uploaded.
