A three-alarm fire engulfed four buildings in the vicinity of 17th and Valencia streets and displaced at least 20 residents, according to the Red Cross.
The fire that began at around 6 p.m. was under control as of 8 p.m., but two firefighters and one resident were injured, according to Patricia Peper of the Red Cross. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Peper added that the displaced residents have found shelter with family or friends, with the exception of a family of four and their pet. They will most likely be checked into a hotel south of San Francisco because the Outside Lands music festival has caused a shortage of vacancies in the city, she said.
Emergency in SF reported earlier that the fire was upgraded because of its complexity, and dozens of firefighters have responded to it. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Stay tuned for updates.
For photos of the fire, click here (via @Btmerr).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonbauer/4894790288/
This and all the other calls – emt, cat rescues, etc. is the reason I have ALWAYS, ALWAYS voted in favor for fire fighters and propositions in their favor.
billowing smoke indeed. and HUGE flames. the SFPD responded in mass numbers, and quick.
they worked aggressively to get things under control in what seemed like a crazy difficult area to get to (end of caledonia alley). it appeared to be the house directly behind + connected to weston wear ~ hoses were strewn through the retail shop.
we had a pretty clear view from our roof being nosey ventured atop of the hoff street garage to get a up close view. using chainsaws, axes + various other gear they pounded + wripped the roof apart until the smoke finally dissapated.
at least one firefighter was being treated for smoke inhalation and *thankfully* was alert + overall appeared to be okay.
i then witnessed the sweetest thing EVER! a firefighter emerged from the house, covered in ash, carrying a large vase full of water… and low + behold a swimming goldfish inside. no joke! aww 🙂
We heard an alarm and looked out our backdoor on Albion St. half a minute later only to see black smoke billowing (like, BILLOWING) above the bldg a block over. Big thanks so SFFD. They arrived within a minute or two of the alarm sounding.
Fire fighters scaled the bldgs on Valencia St after the fire was put out, presumably to check the rest of the bldg for victims. Pretty sure we heard them yelling that a dog was inside, and that he was also retrieved.
Photos of the fire are avail for viewing here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2072337&id=1534195992&l=1e5c5bd56e