Topic overview
In brief
- Firefighters responded to a massive fire at a condominium complex in Foster City, California, on Sunday.
- The fire was caused by a propane barbecue on the exterior deck of a first-floor unit, leading to a six-alarm response.
- No residents were injured, but four firefighters suffered minor injuries, and the area remains fenced off due to collapse risks.
Summary
In Foster City, California, a significant fire broke out at a condominium complex located at 815 Sea Spray Lane over the weekend. Firefighters received the emergency call around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, and the situation escalated quickly, leading to a six-alarm response. Fire investigators from the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded that the fire was ignited by a propane barbecue situated on the exterior deck of a first-floor unit. Fortunately, no residents were injured during the incident, although four firefighters sustained minor injuries, with two requiring hospitalization before being released.
The rapid spread of the fire necessitated immediate action from firefighters, who undertook the challenging task of rescuing dozens of residents trapped within the complex. Chief Matt Turturici of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department described the urgency of the situation, particularly when a Mayday call was issued for a firefighter who had been overcome by smoke while conducting a search on the third floor. The firefighters had to navigate the building without a hose line due to the pressing need to evacuate residents quickly.