Previously: Kearny, Jackson, Columbus Closed Due To Two Alarm Fire In Businesses, Residences
More than 50 residents of San Francisco’s Chinatown were displaced from their homes this morning after a ground-level sushi restaurant fire swept into the building above.
The two-alarm blaze at the Matcha sushi restaurant, which opened about a week ago at 915 Kearny St., was reported just before 8:30 a.m. and was brought under control about an hour later.
Fire Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said the fire was believed to have started in the kitchen area in the rear of the restaurant. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Talmadge said the fire spread upstairs into the residential part of the building, damaging seven or eight units. It also spread to a neighboring liquor store and a cocktail lounge.
Talmadge said all of the residents escaped from the building without injury.
In addition to the fire damage, the building’s utilities were shut down, causing approximately 60 residents to temporarily lose their homes, according to Talmadge.
The American Red Cross said the Chinese Recreation Center at 1199 Mason St. will provide food, shelter and counseling for affected families.
Residents affected by the fire may contact (888) 443-5722 for assistance.
Photo: Scott Bloom
