A fast-moving duplex fire in San Diego’s Mount Hope neighborhood left three people injured and several families displaced Sunday evening, with a father suffering severe burns while shielding his 2-year-old child. The fire broke out around dinnertime on Carlos Street near J Street, quickly engul fing the duplex and sending thick smoke across the neighborhood, according to witnesses and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Residents described a chaotic scene as flames spread rapidly. “We just hear yelling and screaming and everyone just running outside. We see a huge wave of smoke,” evacuee Diana Huaraca said. Huaraca lives in a single-story home on the same property, just feet from the duplex where the fire started. She and her family — including her parents and grandparents — were forced to evacuate as smoke blanketed the street. “It was like a fireball, an explosion. We heard a huge bang,” Huaraca said. Despite the destruction, Huaraca said she feels fortunate. She expressed concern for the Dehnz family, who lived in the duplex where the fire began. According to a donation page, Ricky Dehnz suffered severe second- and third-degree burns over more than 50% of his body. He is credited with protecting his young son as they escaped down a burning staircase and out the front door. He remains in a hospital burn unit on a respirator. “I didn’t think he was going to make it, honestly. He looked horrendous,” Huaraca said. Dehnz’s wife, Shaliah, escaped through the back door. She was treated and released from the hospital. The couple both serve in the Navy. “I’m blessed and lucky. I feel like it is not fair that they had to go through that,” Huaraca said. The landlord said he has released both families from their leases, estimating it could take six months to secure permits and more than a year to rebuild. Firefighters said the blaze was extinguished in about 15 minutes, but the damage was extensive. San Diego Fire’s Metro Arson Strike Team is investigating the cause. By most accounts, lithium batteries in the kitchen may have sparked the fire. The landlord said Ricky Dehnz had been charging an electric bike. “It’s not fair. It was a small mistake they did, and no one should have to pay that price for a mistake anybody can do,” Huaraca said. In the aftermath, families are left navigating the loss of their homes and belongings. The Dehnz family also lost their dog and cat in the fire. “I know that his life might not be the same because of his intense burns, but I hope he has the best recovery outcome possible,” Huaraca said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less