Fire in California building caused families to evacuate: 100 firefighters fought the fire

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the Redwood City Fire Department reported an intense fire that broke out at an affordable condominium building in the 2700 block of Middlefield Rd at 10:15 a.m. in Redwood City, California, where they had to evacuate all the families living around the affected building.

According to the Mateo County sheriff, the fire started on the fifth floor of the North Fair Oaks building, which was unoccupied as it was under construction. It is a complex of 179 affordable apartments that would be completed by next year.

The fire started north of the building

Redwood City Fire Department Chief Mark Lorenzen said about 100 firefighters had to battle the fire, which started at the north end of the building, but was pushed by strong winds and caused it to spread throughout most of the building. structure.

Authorities had to evacuate all families living around North Fair Oaks, on Pacific Ave, Calvin Ave and Dumbarton Ave, to avoid a tragedy. Displaced families were taken to temporary shelter at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center 1455 Madison Ave. in the city.

“When I started smelling smoke and then my niece came out of the room and said, ‘You know what? I think the building behind our house is burning,’” René Salas told ABC7 news.

Meteorologist Drew Tuma confirmed that there are currently winds gusting to 30 mph in the bay area, which caused the fire to move faster.

Five hours later they contained the fire

Near the building is the Garfield School, the students’ parents were notified when the fire started so they could go get their children. Those who could not go for the children were sheltered at the school.

At 3:00 p.m., the sheriff’s office gave an update through its social networks.
“The fire is currently contained to the structure of origin.”

“Emergency services are starting to allow some residents to return to their homes. If you were displaced by the fire, or know someone who was, go to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center for information on who can return home. “Emergency services are on site to help,” they wrote.

Families were able to return to their homes

Two hours later, they confirmed that the fire had been put out and the families could return without problem. They did not report any injuries.

City authorities explained that the building was intended to house several low-income families. It had 179 apartments with one, two and three bedrooms, in the complex they were going to put a daycare center and it would have outdoor common areas.

North Fair Oaks was scheduled to open next year. Now they will begin an investigation to find out how the fire that started on the fifth floor of the building broke out.

Sheriff Cristina Corpus thanked all the agencies that were fighting the fire. “Incredible work by firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and all emergency services who heroically prevented any injuries today.”

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