Firefighters were working Sunday afternoon to block off a Downtown intersection after an apparent water main break sent steam billowing clouds up from manholes and vents, disrupting traffic.
Firefighters arrived at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Geary Street just after 10:45 a.m. after people reported that steam was rushing in gouts from several vents and manholes, disrupting visibility, said San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias.
ALERTSF: Avoid the area of Geary St and Grant Ave due to Fire Activity. Emergency crews are on scene.
— San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (@SF_emergency) January 14, 2024
Expect traffic delays, consider alternate routes, and allow for additional travel time. For live traffic information visit https://t.co/KhHeZty2yc. https://t.co/i6JHUJVyoj
The fire department initially said the steam was the result of an underground pipe that had ruptured, but no details were immediately available on the cause. A spokesperson for Cordia—whose two Downtown plants pipe steam to about 180 customers for space heating, hot water, air conditioning and more—told The Standard Sunday evening that a water main break had led to the issue.
Police, parking officers and PG&E crews were on scene, with public works crews en route, Elias said. Grant between Geary and Post remained closed into Sunday evening.
Pedestrians and drivers were advised to avoid the area, which is part of the city’s Union Square shopping district. There were no reports of injuries.
At the intersection of Grant Ave and Geary St there is an underground steam pipe rupture causing visible steam. SFFD, SFPD, DPT, PG&E are on the scene. DPW/PUC are en route to the scene. Grant Ave between Geary and Post are closed. Please avoid the area #SFFD #SFFDPIO pic.twitter.com/OnDaA7NR2s
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) January 14, 2024