2-Alarm Inner Sunset Fire Displaces 5 Residents

2-Alarm Inner Sunset Fire Displaces 5 ResidentsPhotos: Brian Schneirow/Hoodline Tipline
Fiona Lee
Published on August 07, 2017

Last night, a two-alarm fire at a three-story residential building at 12th Avenue and Irving St. displaced five people; no injuries were reported.

An initial report from SFFD stated that none had been displaced in the fire, but that was later corrected when we reached out for confirmation. 

The blaze was contained by 7:19pm, and in addition to residents who were safely evacuated, a pet rabbit also got out safely, said SFFD spokesperson Jonathan Baxter. 

"We were all watching in shock and great concern, but we were also relieved when we heard that everyone was out and there were no injuries," said Brian Schneirow, a resident who lives a half block away from the fire. 

"My biggest concern was that the fire could spread to the next-door neighbors. And, sure enough, we witnessed firefighters going in and out of the house next door to the fire."

As it turned out, the building saw considerable damage. 

"The top unit (where the fire was centered) is heavily damaged and uninhabitable (there is also no roof now)," Schneirow told us. "The unit below has smoke and water damage, but is not as heavily damaged."

According to Kate Calson, regional program marketing manager for Red Cross Northern California, four units were affected. Most of the residents displaced will be able to return to their units during the next few days, but one household will see a long-term displacement.

The Red Cross provided housing, clothing, food and snacks to the displaced residents and will work with them for a long-term solution. 

Schneirow also helped out one of the residents who was displaced in the fire, a University of San Francisco sophomore. He said the student had just moved in two days ago and was sleeping when the fire broke out. 

"I let [the student] sleep at my house last night because he had no where else to go," Schneirow said, "the other residents all went to friends or family." Going forward, his parents have arranged for temporary housing at USF. 

SFFD is currently investigating the cause of the fire. 

Thanks very much to tipster Brian Schneirow for sharing the tip and his photos. If you've seen something you think we should report , text your tip and images to 415-200-3233.