Riverside, California — A fast-moving blaze tore through a popular off-campus apartment complex near the University of California, Riverside on Friday, displacing around 150 residents — many of them UCR students.

The fire broke out around 11:11 a.m. at the University Riverside Gardens apartments, located at 3996 Iowa Ave., just west of the UC Riverside campus. Firefighters arrived to find flames already shooting through the roof, indicating the fire had spread rapidly.

According to Riverside Fire Division Chief Greg White, the blaze impacted approximately 50 of the complex’s 112 units. No injuries were reported, and all residents were able to evacuate safely.

“Many” UC Riverside students were among those displaced, authorities confirmed. While the apartment complex is not owned or operated by the university, UCR officials said they are actively working to identify affected students and provide them with resources and basic needs.

A university spokesperson stated: “While the affected property is not owned or operated by UCR, the university is working to determine how many UCR students reside at that location and provide resources and basic needs.”

The American Red Cross was called in to assist displaced residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The incident has left dozens of students suddenly homeless just weeks before the end of the spring semester, highlighting the vulnerability of off-campus student housing in the area.