A raging four-alarm fire ripped through a warehouse at San Francisco's Pier 45 early Saturday, sending thick, black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles.
Firefighters responded to the massive blaze at 4:20 a.m. and quickly went into an offensive fight by going inside the warehouse. Officials said the intensity of the fire was so hot, they quickly raised the response to four alarms and evacuated the warehouse. A fireboat was also called to respond to the blaze.
Crews then started to fight the fire with a defensive strategy to protect other structures. Video showing the peak of the blaze shows a raging inferno, ripping through the warehouse. Portions of the warehouse roof also collapsed.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the fire was contained at 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
In a press conference, SFFD's Lt. Jonathan Baxter said crews may remain on scene possibly until Monday to make sure hot spots are out.
Thank you to all who helped with the extinguishment of this now under control 4th Alarm Fire at Pier 45 C. 1 Firefighter Injured (will be okay) at least 3 businesses impacted, fire remains under investigation pic.twitter.com/cL4txfG4o1— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) May 23, 2020
Baxter also said one firefighter suffered a severe laceration to the hand as was taken to the hospital. The firefighter is in stable condition and has been released from the hospital.
SFFD and San Francisco Port Authority confirmed an investigation will go into effect immediately to determine the cause of the fire and the integrity of the pier.
Randy Quezada from the San Francisco Port Auhtority said the initial report of the investigation can be expected "within 24 to 48 hours, with a more comprehensive study going out in about a week."
The warehouse destroyed by the blaze is next to the dock for the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a historic ship used during World War II. Officials said the ship was saved
San Francisco Fire Department Chief Janine Nicholson explains what firefighters had to do to salvage the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a historic ship used during World War II.
Firefighters continue to battle a 4-alarm blaze that ripped through a warehouse at San Francisco's Pier 45. https://t.co/gvh9GJKxNt— Kristofer Noceda (@krisnoceda) May 23, 2020
Officials say crews were able to save the historic Liberty ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien, which was docked near the warehouse. https://t.co/lmN44B9rEL
San Francisco's popular interactive museum, Musée Mécanique, is located on Pier 45 but did not sustain any damage, according to a tweet.
The Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District said in a statement they are "very thankful" no injuries were reported and no lives were lost.
"The response from SFFD and SFPD was extremely quick and we are thankful that due to the rapid emergency response, the surrounding structures including the Jeremiah O'Brien, were all saved."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are asking people to avoid the area as the fire is still active.
The businesses inside the damaged building were offices for Blue & Gold Fleet, Red & White Fleet and Jeremiah O'Brien offices and storage. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time of the fire.
