Massive Fire Destroys Affordable Housing Construction Near Redwood City | KQED
Massive Fire Destroys Affordable Housing Construction Near Redwood City KQEDDay Around the Bay: Fire Destroys Affordable Housing Development In Redwood City SFist'Total loss': Fire guts affordable housing project near Redwood City Redwood City Pulse
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Fire Engulfs Affordable Housing Construction Site in Menlo Park
By 3 p.m., Menlo Park Fire District Chief Mark Lorenzen said he was releasing crews after it was fully controlled and moving the operation into “mop up” mode, dousing the structure with water to prevent any flare-ups.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The fire incident highlights the need for effective fire protection measures in urban areas to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The affordable housing construction project aimed to provide housing for individuals with low incomes, contributing to the goal of reducing poverty.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The evacuation of construction workers and the absence of reported injuries demonstrate the prioritization of health and safety during emergencies.
Causes and Response
The fire was able to tear through the structure quickly because it didn’t yet have sprinkler systems, fire walls, or other fire protection features installed, Lorenzen said, and there were windy conditions in the area.
“From our perspective, almost the worst stage it could be in. It burned so easily through there, it was just like kindling,” Lorenzen said. “There being almost no windows…the winds from the north were just pushing right in and blowing it straight through the structure.”
No injuries were reported. Construction workers evacuated the building, and while there were some minor spots of damage to neighboring buildings or fences, Lorenzen said everyone in the area appears to be safe.
He estimated about 130 firefighters responded to this fire, with help from about every fire agency in San Mateo County and some additional help from Santa Clara County fire agencies as well. A total of 26 engines and seven ladder trucks were called in throughout the incident.
The fire was acting similar to a wildland fire due to the wind and the materials that were burning, requiring extra firefighting resources to prevent the spread of the fire, Lorenzen said.
“They were putting in insulation and the insulation was catching fire, getting lofted up by the thermal columns and launching into the neighborhood. There were burning embers dropping everywhere from the sky, big ones,” he said.
Community Impact
Caltrain reported delays in the area, with trains being held at the Redwood City and Menlo Park stations.
The apartments being built at Middlefield Junction were planned to be reserved for people earning incomes considered extremely low, very low and low on the pricey San Francisco peninsula. According to a previous county release about the project, 20 apartments were to be set aside for people experiencing homelessness and receiving care management and supportive services from San Mateo County Health.
Middlefield Junction was borne out of a partnership between the county, nonprofit developer Mercy Housing California, as well as the state and private investors, according to the county. It was estimated to cost $155 million in total.
Extent of Damage
Lorenzen said the wooden framing of all the upper floors is destroyed, though he said it appeared the concrete foundation and underground parking garage area were not damaged.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | The article mentions that the apartments being built at Middlefield Junction were planned to be reserved for people earning incomes considered extremely low, very low, and low on the pricey San Francisco peninsula. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries | The article mentions that Middlefield Junction was borne out of a partnership between the county, nonprofit developer Mercy Housing California, as well as the state and private investors. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5 By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations | The article discusses the fire incident at Middlefield Junction, highlighting the need for fire protection features such as sprinkler systems and fire walls to prevent or minimize damage from disasters. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | The article mentions that the fire was acting similar to a wildland fire due to the wind and the materials that were burning, requiring extra firefighting resources to prevent the spread of the fire. |
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Fuente: kqed.org
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