A significant fire broke out on Friday night at a Brazilian steakhouse in the downtown San Diego area, resulting in heavy smoke that blanketed the skyline. The incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. in the 900 block of Fourth Avenue near Horton Plaza, drawing immediate response from fire crews.

According to the San Diego police, several roads were closed due to the structure fire, including Broadway between Third Avenue and Sixth Avenue, as well as Fourth Avenue between B Street and F Street. These closures caused temporary disruptions, inconveniencing both residents and those attending Comic-Con, the city's annual comic book and pop culture extravaganza.

The sheer scale of the blaze caused thick plumes of smoke that were visible for miles around. The smoke was particularly arresting for tens of thousands of people who were downtown on Friday, many of whom were participating in the Comic-Con event. Witnesses reported that observers gathered on both sides of the incident, transfixed by the alarming sight.

Responding to the emergency, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department faced additional challenges due to heavy traffic from Comic-Con. Despite the logistical hurdles, fire crews managed to contain the fire that originated in the kitchen on the first floor. Unfortunately, the flames swiftly spread to all four stories of the building, eventually reaching the roof and the AC units on the top floor.

"The sprinklers on the fourth floor were activated, and thankfully, they played a crucial role in saving that level," stated Chris Babler, a battalion chief with the SDFD. The swift response and effective use of fire safety equipment mitigated the damage to some extent.

Authorities estimate that it will take approximately 2-3 hours for the roads to reopen after the fire incident. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, San Diego residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution in the affected areas and follow instructions from law enforcement officials.

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by emergency services during busy events such as Comic-Con when swift response times are paramount. The coordination between various agencies during emergencies becomes vital to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors alike.

As the downtown San Diego area gradually recovers from the aftermath of this massive blaze, the affected Brazilian steakhouse will undoubtedly focus on rebuilding and getting back on track, while the resilience of the city will persist amidst such challenges.