Massive Foster City condo complex fire sparked by propane barbecue, firefighters say
By Tim Fang
Fire investigators on the Peninsula said they have determined the cause of a massive fire that heavily damaged a condominium complex in Foster City over the weekend.
In a statement Wednesday, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department said the preliminary investigation into the fire at 815 Sea Spray Lane has been completed. The cause was determined to be a propane barbecue on the exterior deck of a unit on the first floor.
Firefighters were initially called to the complex around 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire grew to six alarms, as firefighters rescued dozens of residents.
Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, with at least two firefighters being hospitalized and later released.
“When I hear a Mayday, it’s tough,” Chief Matt Turturici of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department said on Sunday. “Firefighter was down. We were able to find the firefighter. They were overcome. It was one of our truck companies that was doing a search on that third floor. They did the search without a hose line because of the speed in which we needed to get up there and start getting people out.”
No residents were injured.
Officials said the condo building did not have a sprinkler system, since it was built prior to an ordinance requiring sprinklers. Property records indicate that the complex was built in 1981.
The fire department said Wednesday that the property has been turned over to the homeowners’ association and that the immediate area remains fenced off and red-tagged.
“There is still a real danger of collapse throughout the entire building. Please stay clear of the area. Fire crews will perform periodic site checks for hotspots to prevent a rekindle,” the department said in a statement.
The department’s Office of Emergency Services is continuing to work with the American Red Cross to provide services for displaced residents.
“We would like to thank our regional partners, neighboring fire agencies and first responders, as well as the businesses, churches, volunteers, and many others whose support and contributions have been invaluable throughout this incident,” the department added.
