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San Francisco 4-alarm apartment fire burns through 3 floors and into exposures

Battalion Chief Adam Crispen said firefighters rescued a woman in a wheelchair while facing rapid fire extension in the Nob Hill apartment building

By Matthew Tom
SFGate

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Fire Department marked the four-alarm fire on Washington Street and Larkin Street as under control, according to a 10 p.m. update on their X account.

One civilian was transported to a local hospital, and one dog and cat were rescued and returned to their owners. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“The fire has extended throughout the building. All three floors have been burned,” the San Francisco Fire Department said on X. “The buildings next to the fire building have damage at this time.”

The fire at Washington Street and Larkin Street was reported about 5:52 p.m. and quickly rose to four alarms, involving 120 firefighters, Fire Chief Dean Crispen said. A four-alarm is among the most severe fire emergencies.

Flames extended throughout the wood-frame structure and damaged adjacent buildings, Crispin said.

One woman in a wheelchair was taken from the building and two were assisted down the stairs. They were evaluated for injury by paramedics, Crispin said.

It wasn’t clear how many people were displaced by the blaze, he said.

Crispin said he expected firefighters would be on the scene throughout the night extinguishing hot spots.

Three injuries have been reported so far, according to KRON4.

Residents have been advised to expect traffic delays and to take alternate routes around the area.

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