Chula Tacos’ recently opened H Street location in Chula Vista suffered an attic fire Saturday evening, forcing an emergency evacuation and temporarily halting operations at what had quickly become one of South Bay’s busiest taco destinations.
According to the Chula Vista Fire Department, crews responded to reports of a commercial structure fire at the taqueria, located at 689 H Street, shortly before 8:40pm. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames burning in the attic space above the dining area. The fire was knocked down around 8:39pm, preventing further spread throughout the building. One individual was transported to a hospital following the incident. The extent of injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
In an exclusive message to SanDiegoVille, Chula Tacos ownership described the moment the incident unfolded, saying the fire struck without warning during what had been a banner day for the business.
“We were having a record day,” ownership wrote. “And Bam!! out of left field…. Everybody out!! I called 911 myself. We are well thankfully.”
According to the Chula Vista Fire Department, crews responded to reports of a commercial structure fire at the taqueria, located at 689 H Street, shortly before 8:40pm. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames burning in the attic space above the dining area. The fire was knocked down around 8:39pm, preventing further spread throughout the building. One individual was transported to a hospital following the incident. The extent of injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
In an exclusive message to SanDiegoVille, Chula Tacos ownership described the moment the incident unfolded, saying the fire struck without warning during what had been a banner day for the business.
“We were having a record day,” ownership wrote. “And Bam!! out of left field…. Everybody out!! I called 911 myself. We are well thankfully.”
Unreleased photos provided by the ownership show significant interior damage, including collapsed ceiling panels, exposed electrical wiring, and debris scattered across the dining room and kitchen areas. In one image, firefighters can be seen working inside the darkened space illuminated by emergency lighting. Another photo reveals portions of the ceiling torn open, with insulation and wiring hanging down over dining tables and prep stations.
The H Street location represents a major expansion for Chula Tacos, which built its following through a combination of food truck operations, pop-ups, and its brick-and-mortar restaurant in National City. The Chula Vista outpost, housed in the former Tacos El Gordo and Taquería by El Prieto building, opened with a drive-thru component and high-traffic positioning designed to elevate the brand’s South Bay footprint.
The fire marks another unexpected challenge for the fast-growing taqueria, which has experienced both rapid popularity and operational hurdles in recent years. Despite prior temporary shutdowns at other locations tied to health inspections, the H Street branch had quickly established itself as a high-volume performer in the corridor.
The cause of the attic fire has not yet been publicly determined. It remains unclear how long the restaurant will remain closed as cleanup, inspections, and repairs are conducted.
Ownership confirmed that all staff and guests were evacuated safely. Chula Tacos operates its original location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City. Updates regarding reopening plans for the H Street restaurant are expected in the coming days. For more information, visit eatchulatacos.com.
The H Street location represents a major expansion for Chula Tacos, which built its following through a combination of food truck operations, pop-ups, and its brick-and-mortar restaurant in National City. The Chula Vista outpost, housed in the former Tacos El Gordo and Taquería by El Prieto building, opened with a drive-thru component and high-traffic positioning designed to elevate the brand’s South Bay footprint.
The fire marks another unexpected challenge for the fast-growing taqueria, which has experienced both rapid popularity and operational hurdles in recent years. Despite prior temporary shutdowns at other locations tied to health inspections, the H Street branch had quickly established itself as a high-volume performer in the corridor.
The cause of the attic fire has not yet been publicly determined. It remains unclear how long the restaurant will remain closed as cleanup, inspections, and repairs are conducted.
Ownership confirmed that all staff and guests were evacuated safely. Chula Tacos operates its original location at 1719 Palm Avenue in National City. Updates regarding reopening plans for the H Street restaurant are expected in the coming days. For more information, visit eatchulatacos.com.
Originally published on February 15, 2026.
