Two-Alarm Fire Damages Homes And Displaces Three

A two-alarm duplex fire in Oceanside Saturday evening displaced three residents and caused an estimated $350,000 in damage, the fire department said.

The fire damaged two other residences on the 3200 block of Coral Drive near MiraCosta College. Some 35 firefighters from Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad battled the blaze for 50 minutes.

The Oceanside Fire Department said thick black smoke and extreme heat forced firemen to fight the fire from outside the structure. As the fire reached the attic and two adjoining garages, firefighters cut holes in the roof which helped limit the damage to the second residence.

Oceanside Police Department evacuated adjacent homes while firemen fought the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.