Crews battle 2-alarm commercial fire in San Francisco
San Francisco Fire Department battles 2-alarm fire on California Street on Monday, May 22, 2023.
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco fire crews on Monday battled a two-alarm commercial fire in the city's Laurel Heights neighborhood and urged the public to avoid the area.
The fire broke out on California Street between Locust and Spruce streets affecting two businesses, the fire department said.
Initial reports indicated crews were called to the First Republic Bank at 3533 California Street. Video showed heavy smoke and flames coming from next door at the beauty and cosmetics store Bluemercury. Crews could be seen attacking the fire from the roof of that business.
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"Residents can expect traffic delays and should consider alternative routes as emergency crews are on the scene," the fire department tweeted at around noon.
In an update, the fire department said that the fire was contained as of about 12:40 p.m. They later said it was started accidentally.
There were no reports of injuries.
"Local Businesses are open," the fire department said adding,"but expect some traffic while we clear the scene."