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Mayday: San Francisco firefighters fall through floor at building fire

Two fell through third-floor holes during a fire in a building under construction on Chestnut Street

SAN FRANCISCO — Three firefighters were injured while battling a blaze at a building under construction in San Francisco, officials said.

CBS San Francisco reported firefighters responded around 4:15 a.m. on Oct. 15 to the 2500 block of Chestnut Street near Richardson Avenue and Broderick Street. Chief Dean Crispen said the first-arriving crew found heavy fire on the building’s second floor with extension to the third floor and neighboring structures.

While attacking the blaze, two firefighters operating on the third floor fell through holes in the floor. A mayday was declared, and both firefighters were rescued and transported to San Francisco General Hospital.

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Crispen said the two firefighters who fell through the floor are in stable condition. A third firefighter suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation, the department later confirmed.

“Our firefighters did a fantastic job, very aggressive firefighting,” Crispen said. “Buildings under construction pose many hazards, from uncovered walls to active plumbing and electrical work.”

The fire was contained around 7 a.m. Four residents from an adjacent building were displaced, and the Red Cross responded. The cause remains under investigation.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.