A Feb. 7 fire caused by a ruptured gas line at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue did not cause any injuries, but a number of nearby buildings have been damaged or feared damage. Residents of buildings that were yellow-tagged have been allowed to retrieve belongings, but they need to get permission from the city to reinhabit them. The city promised that the Department of Building Inspection would expedite reviews and the issuing of permits for repairs.
“I commend our first responders who contained the fire and prevented further damage to the surrounding community,” said District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani. “Miraculously, no one was injured despite the severity of the fire. My first priority is to help those who have been affected by the fire, and my office is available to help connect people with housing and services. I will also work with city departments to determine what exactly caused this gas explosion so we can prevent future emergency situations.”
The city has marshalled the forces of a number of agencies to help residents and businesses in the area affected by the fire. Residents displaced by the fire should call the Red Cross at 415-427-8010 to register for services and assistance. Businesses and their employees should call the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development at 415-554-6969. Recovery information is available at sf72.org. Stefani’s office number is 415-554-7752.
Meanwhile, two residents of buildings damaged by the incident filed suit against the contractors involved in installing fiber optic cable, accusing them of causing the explosion. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating PG&E’s response to the fire; it took two hours to shut off the gas after the explosion.
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