9 San Francisco firefighters released from hospital

By Henry K. Lee
The San Francisco Chronicle

SAN FRANCISCO — Nine firefighters were treated and released after battling Wednesday night's electrical fire in the basement of the Union Square office building that houses a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store, authorities said Thursday.

The two-alarm blaze was reported at 6:55 p.m. at 360 Post St., said Lt. Ken Smith, a spokesman for the San Francisco Fire Department. The fire sent smoke pouring through all 11 floors.

About 70 firefighters reached the building around 7 p.m. and contained the fire in 25 minutes.

Nine firefighters were taken to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation. Some were taken as a precautionary measure, and all of them have been released, said Lt. Mindy Talmadge, a Fire Department spokeswoman.

Office workers got out safely, and damage was limited to the basement. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Tiffany & Co. officials left a recorded message saying the store was closed until further notice.

Copyright 2009 San Francisco Chronicle

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