San Diego

An early-morning fire Thursday in two abandoned buildings, at the corner of Kettner Boulevard and Broadway in downtown San Diego, is believed to have been caused by transients, fire officials said.

It took firefighters 15 minutes to bring the fire, which began in vacant one-story businesses, under control, said Larry Stewart, Fire Department public information officer.

The Metro Arson Strike Team suspected that the fire was set by transients who frequent the building. Two transients, who returned to the scene and claimed they were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out, were treated for smoke inhalation.

There was no estimate of damages to the buildings, which are scheduled to be demolished, fire officials said.