Massive fire erupts in San Francisco redevelopment site

• Flames engulf 172-unit apartment under construction near biotech firms, Giants stadium

• No fatalities or serious injuries reported

• Sets back response to high demand for housing

SAN FRANCISCO, California – A massive fire on Tuesday afternoon, March 11 engulfed a 172-unit apartment building under construction in the Mission Bay district, but no serious injuries were reported.

The fire occurred near the city’s waterfront, a redevelopment area east of Interstate 280 and southwest of AT&T Park.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent damage to surrounding structures.

San Francisco-based developer BRE Properties bought two blocks totaling 3.7 acres in 2011 for $41 million.

When construction began last year on the 1.8-acre block that burned Tuesday, BRE officials put the estimated total development cost at $227 million.

The fire burned the first half of a 360-unit apartment building that BRE was constructing.

At least four other residential projects are at various stages of construction not far from the fire site.

No damage was reported in the blocks closest to the ballpark that are filled with residential buildings and biotech firms.