May 16, 2008 2:35 pm US/Pacific
Fires Burns Historic San Rafael Bradford House
SAN RAFAEL (BCN) ―
A barbecue on the deck of an apartment building built in the 1800s in San Rafael is believed to have started a four-alarm blaze in nearly 100-degree weather Thursday, fire officials said Friday.
The fire was reported around 6:45 p.m. at the four-story, nine-unit Bradford House, located at 333 G St. and flames damaged about half the building before firefighters controlled it around 9:30 p.m.
Water and smoke caused significant damage to the remainder of the building, San Rafael fire Division Chief Ritt Hewitt said.
The hot weather and small hidden spaces within the building made fighting the flames difficult, according to Hewitt.
Several residents were transported to a local hospital for treatment to minor injuries, and one firefighter was injured after slipping and falling, but no one was burned, Hewitt said.
Hewitt estimated it could cost $1 million to restore the dark tan with red trim Victorian. "The building looks mostly intact, but when you look through the windows you can see significant damage," Hewitt said.
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