click to enlarge
-
Joe Eskenazi
-
The "devastating" fire...
San Francisco firefighters are currently battling a sea of flames at the shuttered Renoir Hotel on McAllister Street, near Civic Center Plaza.
The 5-alarm fire was first reported at 12:03 p.m., according to
SFGate. San Francisco Firefighters Local 798 is posting continuous updates on
Twitter. Thus far no injuries have been reported.
We'll update when we hear more.
Update, 1:01 p.m.: The fire has been downgraded to 3 alarms, according to the SFFD; portions of Market Street (near Seventh St.) remain closed.
Update, 2:10 p.m.: Deputy Chief Mark Gonzalez tells
SF Weekly the fire started in the sub-floor of the Renoir Hotel, "between the cement and wood." Firefighters began dousing it at its source before "pulling people out and hitting it from outside." Firefighters on ladders continue to stream three or four hoses into shattered windows from three sides of the hotel.
Within the hour, firefighters may enter the building again "to mop up." But only after PG&E workers shut down the hotel's utilities.
click to enlarge
-
Joe Eskenazi
-
One of several beams of water being directed into the shuttered hotel.
The structure was largely vacant and undergoing renovation. Gonzalez says nine people were treated for smoke inhalation. Eight were hospitalized and one refused to be transported. The deputy chief described them as "construction workers. None of ours."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. When asked about the extent of the damage, Gonzalez said "Well, there's water damage now."
San Francisco Tenderloin Station Police Captain Jason Cherniss watched the fire from McAllister Street. "I was really excited to get the Renoir Hotel going again. So many people were. Mid-Market renaissance and all, you know?"
He shook his head. "This is devastating."
click to enlarge
