Fire in San Francisco Apartment Building Displaces at Least 59

March 19, 2008

Dozens of people are waking up in a Red Cross shelter after a fast-moving fire roared through an apartment building in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Authorities say at least 59 people were displaced after the fire that began in the four-story building on Valencia Street.

The four-alarm blaze — first reported a little before 6:00 p.m. — burned for nearly two hours before the 130 firefighters who responded could get the fire under control.

One firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. At least one other person was also taken to the hospital.

Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White says frame construction in the building helped fuel the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle.