This diary will be short, but is meant to post news report about a large gas explosion and major resulting fire in a residential San Francisco neighborhood. San Bruno area in South San Francisco fire impacts Skyline Dr., Sneath Lane, Claremont Dr., Glenview Dr. and San Bruno Ave at 280.
A 16" to 24" gas pipe exploded and erupted in a huge fire ball reaching about 200 ft high. The fire quickly spread with the help of strong winds, setting off fires of adjacent homes. The explosion occurred at about 6:15 PM and it took well over an hour to shut off the gas source. Extent of injuries and fatalities is not known at this time, but all hospitals in the area are in triage mode. The fire appears to have consumed approximately 45 homes and fire crews are working to maintain a fire perimeter at this time.
Two shelters have been set up at San Bruno Veterans Recreation Cenrer 251 City Parkway, San Bruno and at Senior Center 1555 Crystal Springs Rd. Evacuation center set up at Bay Hills Shopping Center.
Kaiser Hospital in South San Francisco is treating burn victims. SF General Hospital admitted 4 patients and refused to take one patient (no explanation given). One fatality confirmed.
Emergency Hotline number 650-616-7180.
For blood donations beginning tomorrow, 9/10, call 888-393-give (it is busy, but leave a message and they will call back tomorrow) or go to bloodcenters.org. Emergency call for Type O-negative blood.
A link to SF Gate with a video of early footage of fire can be seen here: SF Gate report and pictures
Local TV station coverage
Local radio coverage
San Francisco residents in the area are in our thoughts.