Fire In Redwood City Claims A Life

Redwood City Fire Department investigators said Monday that a fire that tore through an apartment complex on Woodside Road has claimed at least one life.

The identity of the person is not known at this time. The person’s remains are at the San Mateo County Coroner’s office.  The cause of their death is being determined.  

"It was not a firefighter," said Sean Hart, Redwood City Police spokesperson. "We believe it was a resident of the apartment complex," Hart told Patch.

The number of reported injuries reached 21 on Sunday night, including three firefighters, according to Redwood City personnel. Injuries were said to be mild to moderate at the time. 

The fire at the Hallmark Apartments was first reported at about 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. Throughout the day, Redwood City firefighters battled the blaze that was said to be the longest burning fire on the Peninsula since the San Bruno pipeline explosion fires of 2010.  It burned for more than 12 hours.  More than 100 firefighters responded to the six-alarm fire. 

Since then, the community has banded together to help the more than 90 people displaced by the fire. 

The Salvation Army is collecting clothing for victims of the fire at the Armory, which is located at 939 Valota Road in Redwood City.

The Red Cross opened a shelter for people who need a place to sleep.  

Residents displaced by the fire will be given access to their homes on Tuesday.