By SDCN
Oceanside, CA–Two businesses were damaged Tuesday evening after a structure fire broke out at a strip mall along South Coast Highway, fire officials said.
The Oceanside Fire Department responded at about 6:10 p.m. to reports of a fire at the Bread and Cheese Eatery, located at 1904 South Coast Highway. Crews arriving on scene encountered heavy, dark smoke and limited visibility inside the restaurant.
Firefighters from the Carlsbad and Vista Fire Departments were called in to assist to prevent the blaze from spreading to other businesses.
Crews advanced a hose line into the building to conduct an interior search and attack the fire, which was determined to have originated in the rear portion of the restaurant.
Two truck companies conducted roof operations to provide vertical ventilation, a tactic that significantly reduced heat and smoke conditions and allowed firefighters to continue suppression and search efforts safely, officials said.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 40 minutes. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
Both the Bread and Cheese Eatery and the Surfside Laundromat sustained major damage. An estimated dollar loss was not immediately available.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire officials reminded residents and business owners of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms, practicing fire prevention measures, and keeping access routes clear for emergency responders.
