Businesses on Mission Street in San Francisco are starting to reopen following a devastating five-alarm fire that spread to at least six buildings and sent two people to the hospital.
The blaze, which sent billowing clouds of acrid smoke into the air, appeared to have come from a two-story multi-use building, although fire officials are still investigating the fire's cause and origin. It was reported to fire officials shortly after 2 p.m. and jumped up four alarms in a manner of hours.
All told, it took more than 140 firefighters to knock the flames down, and 58 people were displaced. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army set up shelters at San Jose Avenue.
Fire officials said they had the blaze contained as of 7 p.m. Saturday but would be working on the scene until at least Monday, checking for hot spots and assessing the damage.
A badly burned restaurant and a Cole's Hardware store will likely not be reopening to the public.
Jonathan Baxter, a public information officer with the San Francisco Fire department, said that two people were taken to the hospital with smoke inhilation. A 1-year-old was also treated at the scene for smoke-related injury at the scene and was shortly released.
The department reported that it had been able to reunite two cats with their owners, and advised affected residents searching for their pets to call (415) 554 9400.
As of Sunday morning, traffic in the area was particularly slow. Officers advised taking detours.
big fire at 29th & Mission pic.twitter.com/58prF5ha1r — Burrito Justice (@burritojustice) June 18, 2016
