Polk Gulch Fire Displaces 2 Adults, Shutters Businesses

Polk Gulch Fire Displaces 2 Adults, Shutters Businesses1828-1833 Polk St. | Photo: Google
Nathan Falstreau
Published on July 17, 2017

A structural fire on Friday displaced 2 adults from a residence and temporarily closed multiple businesses, but no injuries were reported.

Just after 7pm on Friday, San Francisco Fire Department received calls regarding a building fire at 1831 Polk St. at Jackson Street. The blaze escalated to two alarms, but was brought under control just before 9pm.

According to Hoodline tipster Crabble, the fire "forces temporary closure of Johnson Leather at 1833 Polk St. and other businesses in the building." 

We contacted Carole Holt, owner of Russian Hill Upholstery (1829 Polk St.) who said an electrical fire started underneath the back stairs of her building, but SFFD arrived on the scene within three minutes of a 911 call.

"The guys at the bicycle shop [High Trails Cyclery] happened to be in the backyard and noticed the fire," she said. "If it weren't for them, the damage would have been much worse." 

Holt said her business and Johnson Leather Corp. suffered extensive water and smoke damage and are currently without power. Russian Hill Upholstery is still open for business, but Holt encouraged customers to call ahead before stopping by. 

Johnson Leather Corp. posted a statement to its website indicating that the business is temporarily closed, but "will be back once we dry out."

No injuries were reported, but the fire department noted that two adults were displaced and were receiving support from the American Red Cross.