Four Atascadero apartments damaged in morning structure fire

By Staff Report · Thu Jul 23 2026

ATASCADERO — Four units in a multi-family residential building were left uninhabitable Tuesday morning following a fire on Robles Avenue, according to Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services.

Fire crews responded at approximately 10:07 a.m. July 21 to a reported structure fire at 5470 Robles Ave. Upon arrival, Atascadero police and fire personnel found a two-story apartment building with an exterior balcony on the second floor actively burning. Flames had extended into the attic, where crews later discovered extensive fire throughout the structure.

A full structure fire response was initiated, with six engines, one ladder truck and three command vehicles responding from Atascadero Fire, Templeton Fire, Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County and Santa Margarita Fire. A total of 23 personnel assisted with the operation.

At the time of the call, both Atascadero Fire engines were assigned to medical emergencies. Engine 7591 cleared Twin Cities Hospital after completing a patient transfer and responded to the fire. Upon arrival, crews found significant fire throughout the attic and accessed the area by breaching the ceiling of the main apartment.

Firefighters fully extinguished the blaze at 10:35 a.m., approximately 28 minutes after dispatch. Crews remained on scene for about two hours conducting overhaul operations.

The lower unit sustained smoke and water damage, while the remaining units experienced smoke damage. All four apartments were determined to be uninhabitable, displacing seven residents who received assistance from the Red Cross for temporary accommodations.

No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel. The cause and area of origin of the fire remain under investigation.