SFD first posted on X about the fire at around 5:13 p.m., writing that they were responding to a fire in the 600 block of Howell St.
Shortly after, they posted an update, noting the fire was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system.
“I heard a loud explosion noise, and for a second, I was like, ‘Is that coming from the TV?’ And then I heard a draft, then my door rattled for about four seconds,” said James Maciel, who lives on the fourth floor of the building. “So right then, I knew something wasn’t right. I opened my door, and there was an engulfed, full fire by the elevator shaft.”
SFD also confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Maciel continued to say the fire began on the fourth floor while also noting that he believed the fire was intentionally set.
“This wasn’t a toaster oven fire or a heater blanket,” Maciel continued. “I knew that this was some kind of bomb or explosion. I knew it was set intentionally within two seconds of seeing it.”
KOMO News contacted the SFD for further details regarding the fire but was told that the matter is currently under investigation.
