OAKLAND — An arsonist targeted an insurance agency office adjacent to a landmark Fruitvale district Mexican restaurant early Friday, and although the business was gutted by flames, firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to the restaurant, officials said.
The fire erupted about 2:47 a.m. Friday at HRC Insurance Services in the 1000 block of Fruitvale Avenue, which occupies the same building that houses the Guadalajara restaurant, officials said.
The first firefighters were on scene within two minutes and found flames coming from the insurance agency.
More than two dozen firefighters responded to the fire, which was declared under control about 3 a.m. No injuries were reported.
The insurance agency suffered heavy damage, but a dollar amount was not immediately available..Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading into or causing any damage to the restaurant, which was open for business Friday. Fire Department spokesman Michael Hunt said the restaurant “has been a beloved institution in the Fruitvale neighborhood for decades.”
Hunt said investigators quickly determined the fire at the insurance agency was deliberately set, and an arson investigation has begun. How the fire was ignited, and a possible motive, have not been released.