3-alarm fire in San Francisco's NoPa neighborhood damages multiple homes; 2 hospitalized
Fire crews in San Francisco knocked down a three-alarm fire in the city's north of Panhandle neighborhood early Monday morning that sent two people to the hospital and displaced seven residents, according to fire officials.
The fire started at the home on the 700 block of Masonic Avenue shortly before 3:25 a.m. when dispatch first received multiple calls about the incident, San Francisco Fire Department officials said.
About 100 firefighters responded to the major incident, according to the SFFD.
3rd Alarm Fire on 700 block of Masonic. Multiple buildings evacuated with a partial floor collapse. 1 person rescued and transported to local area hospital. Masonic between Hayes and Fulton is closed to traffic. Please avoid the area and find alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/atvTExY9Rt
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) December 11, 2023
A partial building collapse occurred at the building where the fire started, with both the floor and roof collapsing. One occupant rescued and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, according to firefighters. A second resident -- a woman -- jumped from the third floor of the burning home to safety and also had to be hospitalized with moderate injuries, authorities said.
Multiple buildings in the area were evacuated due to the fire. The fire has been contained, but fire crews remain on the scene investigating the cause. Firefighters said there was ongoing construction on the first floor of the building where the fire started.
The three buildings damaged by the fire are being kept clear for safety reasons, fire officials said, but residents from other homes in the area have now been allowed to return to their residences.
A third person was taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation after they apparently wandered past caution tape into the scene and tried to climb a ladder truck, SFFD Lt. Mariano Elias said.
The fire displaced two people from the building and five others from a neighboring structure that also sustained damage from the fire. The displaced are receiving assistance from the Red Cross, officials said.
The portion of Masonic Avenue between Hayes and Fulton streets is closed to traffic and will remain closed for several hours, officials said. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes.