Tenants Helped One Another Escape 2-Alarm Fire Near SF Panhandle
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- When fire broke out on the top floor of a building near the panhandle in San Francisco's Haight neighborhood, tenants frantically tried to warn one another and escape the flames.
Crews responded around 3:00 p.m. to the 2-alarm blaze on the 1200 block of Page Street after reports of heavy fire on the top floor.
Flames were shooting from the building and smoke was visible for miles. Drivers were being warned to avoid the area.
Neighbors told KPIX they heard smoke alarms as people were knocking frantically on each others doors, warning others to get out.
Officials said 17 people were displaced by the fire. In the frantic moments, they only had time to grab a few items and get out fast.
Tenants were emotional as they gathered outside.
"By the time we came out the glass above was shattered in front of the house, I just grabbed her ... and the rest is history," said one tenant, choking back tears. "It's just hard to watch your house burn."
UPDATE per @SFFFLocal798: Heavy fire on the top floor on this 2nd alarm on the 1200 block of Page St. Avoide the area. https://t.co/KBRVQqaADD
[Video: @pacoromane] pic.twitter.com/2wyWsogECd— Kristofer Noceda (@krisnoceda) February 18, 2019
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By 4 p.m. the fire at the 3-story home was under control according to @SFFLocal798.
Fire officials said the blaze is still under investigation.
The Red Cross is helping the displaced tenants.