A one-alarm structure fire in a Bayview stairwell sent San Francisco firefighters rushing to the 1500 block of Jerrold Avenue early today, prompting a temporary shutdown of the street while crews knocked down the flames. Officials reported smoke and fire in a building's stairwell but said there were no injuries. People were told to steer clear of Jerrold between Mendell and Newhall as firefighters worked the scene and checked neighboring units for any spread.
What officials reported
In an update from San Francisco Fire Department Media, the department confirmed that crews were on scene for a 1-alarm structure fire in the 1500 block of Jerrold Ave, with initial reports indicating a blaze in a building stairwell. The post reiterated that no injuries had been reported and again urged the public to avoid Jerrold between Mendell and Newhall while firefighters remained on scene.
1 - ALARM FIRE
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) March 13, 2026
San Francisco Fire is on the scene of a 1-alarm structure fire in the 1500 block of Jerrold Ave.
Initial reports are of a fire on a stairwell.
At this time, no injuries have been reported.
Please avoid the area of Jerrold bewteen Mendell and Newhall. pic.twitter.com/iXUJxK0jEs
How fire investigators work
Once the flames are out, the San Francisco Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Investigation takes over the slow, methodical part of the job. The bureau typically handles origin-and-cause inquiries and prepares the official incident reports. As outlined on the department's fire-investigation page, the public can also learn how to request those records and contact investigators directly. Those reports, along with dispatch logs, are the first documents officials turn to when determining whether a fire was accidental or suspicious.
Bayview context
The Bayview neighborhood has been seeing more than its share of fire activity in recent months. In late January, a two-alarm warehouse fire drew more than 70 firefighters, as reported by SFGATE. Jerrold Avenue itself is a working industrial corridor that houses SFFD Station 9 and was previously identified as the planned site for an ambulance deployment facility, according to Hoodline.
What neighbors should do
The department has not yet released a cause for Friday's stairwell fire. Anyone with information that could help the investigation can reach out to the SFFD Bureau of Fire Investigation or pass tips to the SFPD anonymous hotline. Non-emergency concerns can be routed through 311. For the latest word on street closures and any official findings, neighbors are advised to keep an eye on the San Francisco Fire Department's official channels and media feed.
