Multiple vehicles were damaged or destroyed in an explosive carport fire in Hemet overnight Friday.
The fire was reported at an apartment complex shortly after 1 a.m. in the 600 block of Carson Street. Hemet firefighters were initially dispatched for a report of multiple explosions and people trapped.
When fire units arrived, they discovered several cars fully involved in flames in a carport with exposure to the apartment building, fire officials said.
Quick-thinking firefighters, with the help of Riverside County Cal Fire crews, kept the vicious wall of flames from extending into the apartment building and declared the blaze a knockdown.
Residents were evacuated, and about 20 people had to be displaced, officials said.
Two civilians were injured while trying to hop a back fence during the evacuation and amid the chaos.