Fire activity at Pier 28 sent emergency crews rushing to the San Francisco waterfront on Tuesday evening and quickly clogged traffic along The Embarcadero, according to city officials. The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management urged people to steer clear of the area around 475 The Embarcadero South while responders worked the scene, warning commuters to expect delays and think hard about alternate routes.
According to the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, crews were on scene at Pier 28 and the alert included a link to live traffic information for route updates. The post also directed travelers to 511.org for the latest traffic conditions and urged people to build extra time into their trips.
1-ALARM FIRE PIER 28
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) February 3, 2026
The San Francisco Fire Department is currently on the scene of a one-alarm fire at Pier 28 in San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The fire was reported shortly after 10:30 a.m. by multiple 911 callers. The San Francisco Police Department Marine unit arrived quickly… pic.twitter.com/2YGPCkwonw
What Officials Reported And What We Know
City emergency managers used the ALERTSF system to push drivers away from the busy waterfront corridor while crews responded. In that alert, officials did not immediately provide any information about injuries or what might have sparked the fire. Previous incidents along The Embarcadero have shown how quickly pier fires can disrupt traffic and nearby businesses. SFist reported that the San Francisco Fire Department fought a one-alarm fire at Pier 28 in December 2024 that briefly shut down lanes when hose lines were stretched across the roadway.
1-ALARM FIRE PIER 28
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) February 3, 2026
The San Francisco Fire Department is currently on the scene of a one-alarm fire at Pier 28 in San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The fire was reported shortly after 10:30 a.m. by multiple 911 callers. The San Francisco Police Department Marine unit arrived quickly… pic.twitter.com/2YGPCkwonw
Why The Waterfront Is Sensitive
Much of the stretch between Piers 24½ and 28 is older waterfront infrastructure and is tied up in a multi-year seawall and pier safety project, which can make emergency access and follow-up repairs more complicated. The Port of San Francisco notes that work in this zone is ongoing to strengthen the seawall and wharves, a reminder of why any incident on these piers can throw a wrench into the usual flow along the waterfront. Port of San Francisco has posted project updates for the area.
How To Get Updates
Officials are urging people to stick with verified channels for real-time information and to avoid The Embarcadero near Pier 28 until authorities give the all-clear. For live traffic maps and suggested detours, check 511.org and the city’s emergency accounts for the latest guidance. This story will be updated if city or fire officials release additional details.
