A recycling bin fire spread from the container to the exterior of a two-story building at 1356 South Van Ness Avenue near 24th Street early Sunday morning, and was quickly extinguished.
At 4:37 a.m., said neighbor and Mission Local contributor George Lipp, someone on the street began shouting to the residents of the building, warning them of the fire. The driver of a passing car also stopped to sound his horn to warn residents. At 4:39, an unmarked police cruiser arrived and by 4:41, one of two fire engines had arrived on the scene.
The fire caused only minor damage to the exterior of the building, and all residents were able to return to their home, according to a fire department spokesperson Jonathan Baxter.
“We are lucky to be helped by such professionals,” Lipp wrote. “Thanks to observant people and quick action, [there was] just melted plastic with no displaced people.”
Baxter said the department also responded to a garbage pile on fire at Cesar Chavez and South Van Ness at 4:07 a.m. that did not affect any buildings. Both fires are currently under investigation to determine their causes.