Foster City condo fire devastates 51-unit building, displaces dozens
A blaze ripped through a 51-unit condominium in Foster City on Sunday, forcing residents out and injuring two firefighters who were later released from the hospital.
Around mid-afternoon on Sunday, a massive fire broke out at a condominium complex on Sea Spray Lane in Foster City, scorching every one of its 51 apartments. Residents were rushed out of the building, and the blaze forced firefighters to contend with extreme heat, rapid flame spread, and limited access. San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department officials said crews would remain for at least 24 more hours to monitor and extinguish lingering hotspots.
The Foster City Building Department has red-tagged the structure, preventing anyone from returning home, and the Red Cross is providing shelter and assistance at the PJCC. Two firefighters were taken to a hospital after being trapped but have since been released and are recovering. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Why it matters
The fire left hundreds of residents homeless and highlighted challenges of fighting dense urban blazes.
In this story