Fire crews Monday morning responded to a two-alarm structure fire in Hayward, where four businesses were significantly damaged, according to the fire department.
At least one building was engulfed in flames in the area of Foothill Boulevard and B Street in a blaze that was first reported at about 5:30 a.m., fire officials said.
Firefighters found four people on the premises and got them out of the building, fire officials said. No injuries were immediately reported.
One of the businesses in the building was the popular Chalk it Up pool hall that had been shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. The owner had been preparing for the possibility of reopening by the end of the year.
"This is literally Hayward's oldest pool hall," owner Pete Burks said. "We made a cleaning room for people to clean cues, had nine feet between tables."
Hayward fire Capt. Don Nichelson said fire damage is just one factor.
"Unfortunately, with the amount of water, there will be water and smoke damage to nearby businesses," he said.
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Burks said the fire department told him the fire started on the roof, where the building has had a history of homeless people camping out.
The cause of the fire was unknown and under investigation.
