At least 150 SFFD firefighters, about half the Bay City’s firefighting force, responded and combated a five-alarm blaze where strong winds were a factor, fanning the flames, and pushed the fire that engulfed two structures
It was reported that the fire started in the backyard of a 3-story condominium at 1502 Golden Gate Ave, to where the fast moving fire quickly caught an adjacent 4-story apartment build, located on 1015 Pierce, on fire as well shortly around noon. Two other structures, including a school were damaged at the fire scene.
At one point in the firefighting efforts the blaze was so hot and intense a search for trapped residents could not be done. Firefighters evacuated also for a time for fear of a structure collapse. SFFD Fire Chief Hayes-White stated that firefighters had to forcefully battle the fire or risk losing controlled. “If you don’t make an aggressive attack it is likely you will lose the entire block,” Chief Hayes-White said.
As for injuries on the fire ground, it was reported that one firefighter received minor burns on the back of the neck, and one resident was suffering from smoke inhalation and was treated. Both firefighter and resident were taken to the hospital for treatment. The 5-alarm building blaze left up to 60 residents homeless.
Firefighting crews fought the blaze for more than two hours, around 3:00p.m. PST the fire was declared under control. Cause of the fire is unknown at this time and an arson investigating team will be investigating a cause according to SFFD Fire Chief Hayes-White.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
