A fire emerged at 318 Poplar Avenue, Redwood City, causing the displacement of families in addition to the destruction of several buildings.
According to Ray Iverson, the fire chief at Redwood City Fire Department, the department received a call around 11:50 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2024. When the crew of 60 firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire spread to other buildings, leading to the evacuation of 30 people and the displacement of three families.
“The main building was destroyed, as was the adjacent building and the residential building under construction,” Iverson said.
Two homes underwent destruction, and three adjacent structures caught fire but received minimal damage. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and one construction worker had minor injuries but was treated on the scene, according to Iverson. No other casualties were reported.
Redwood City classified the fire as a Third Alarm Fire. During this fire suppression term, there is a need for additional support from staff and equipment due to a large fire, medical emergency, or rescue mission.
“We had our neighbors, such as the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, the county fire department, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, and Cal Fire,” Iverson said.
Firefighters from the Redwood City Fire Department were able to put out the fire two hours after it started. By 4:00 p.m., the smoke was gone, and the area was closed off.
“This fire was a challenge. Vegetation surrounded the buildings on fire. Redwood trees and Cypress trees were all around the neighborhood, and power lines came down, which presented additional challenges to a normal structure fire,” Iverson said.
Red Cross, a non-profit organization, provides temporary shelter to displaced families, but finding long-term solutions is challenging for them.
“We all understand the devastation that a fire can bring, especially to the families who are living in those homes. It’s very concerning and upsetting to see that an entire apartment complex is ablaze,” said Denise Steward, a Redwood City resident and an English teacher at Carlmont.
Incidents and emergencies such as these encourage families to stay informed and take precautions considering their safety.
“It makes me anxious that there are fires this big in our area,” said Katelyn Lorilla, a junior at Carlmont. “We can prevent fires by educating more people about fire safety, such as how to use a fire extinguisher or what to do in emergencies.”
The events of these fires have led many individuals to reflect on the safety hazards in their homes to ensure their preparedness for potential emergencies.
“It’s a reminder to look at your living situation and ensure that everything is in working order and that you know your escape routes and where you will meet up with your family if something happens,” Steward said.
