A dog died in a San Mateo four-alarm fire that ripped through a three-story condominium late Thursday night, which the fire chief said was completely destroyed.
San Mateo Fire Chief John Healy told NBC Bay Area the fire broke out about 10:45 p.m. on Ticonderoga Road, and was made more difficult to put out because of some type of Styrofoam substance used in the attic connecting the five condo units.
The dog owner who lived in one of the units became emotional and kept trying to break through the police line to run back into the home for the dog, Healy said, so San Mateo police had to detain her until she calmed down. They ended up citing the woman and releasing her.
At least five people will be displaced temporarily, Healy said. Roughly 70 firefighters, 14 engines and four ladder trucks helped quash the flames. Cal Fire and San Mateo County Fire also came to help.
Healy said firefighters believe the fire started on the first floor of the home.
