Written by Bay City News
The Red Cross has opened an overnight shelter for residents displaced by a six-alarm apartment fire that occurred early this morning in Redwood City. The fire, reported shortly before 2 a.m. at the 72-unit Hallmark House Apartments at 531 Woodside Road, displaced around 97 people and injured at least 16 people, Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said earlier today.
The Red Cross has opened an overnight shelter expected to serve more than 40 people at the National Guard Armory at 939 Velota Road in Redwood City. Volunteers and staff there will provide shelter, prescription medicine replacement and emotional support. Those affected by the fire and in need of help should go to the armory or call 1 (888) 4-HELP-BAY. Fire crews arrived on the scene to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the building and many residents standing on balconies waiting to be rescued, Redwood City Fire Marshal James Palisi said earlier today.
Firefighters climbed ladders and entered burning homes to rescue the trapped residents and helped 16 people who were suffering from "minor to moderate injuries" get to local hospitals, Palisi said. More than 100 firefighters with 20 engines and seven ladder trucks responded to the disaster, Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said. Woodside Road remained closed in both directions. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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