A man was taken to the hospital with serious burns early Saturday morning after the Berkeley Fire Department received a call about a possible fire.
Berkeley police also responded to the scene. According to Lt. Andrew Rateaver, a BPD spokesman, firefighters went to 2301 Durant Ave., at Ellsworth Street, on a fire investigation just before 5 a.m.
First responders determined the fire was contained to an upper floor. While searching the floor, they found a man who was alone and suffering from serious burns, Rateaver told Berkeleyside.
He was treated at the scene by BFD paramedics, then taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Some residents of the apartment complex — a new building called The Metropolitan, next to the Berkeley City Club — were evacuated while authorities investigated the incident. They were allowed back inside after an all-clear was given.
Investigators remained on the scene throughout the morning talking with potential witnesses, Rateaver said, adding that BPD was “working to build a timeline of events leading up to the fire.”
Police ask anyone with information to call the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5900.
