A fire broke out early Sunday at Great Wall Hardware in San Francisco’s Parkside neighborhood, authorities said.
The blaze at 1821 Taraval St. started shortly before 4 a.m., according to store owner Albert Chow.
No injuries were reported, though Chow said his mother, who lives in the building, experienced minor smoke-inhalation issues.
“We’re all OK,” Chow said. “We’re going to rebuild.”
1 alarm fire on the 1800 block of Taraval Ave. Firefighters working to contain the fire at this time. 1 person transported to a local hospital and 2 residents displaced due to smoke damage. Taraval St. between the 1700-1900 block is closed. #SFFD #YOURSFFD pic.twitter.com/HOy4pMSutW
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) August 25, 2024
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chow said he was alerted to the incident by his alarm company.
Great Wall Hardware, a family-run business established in 1983, occupies 2,700 square feet. Chow said the community’s response in the aftermath of the fire has been “amazing.”
Chow, who chairs the People of Parkside Sunset Merchants & Neighborhood Association, said he plans to set up a fundraising campaign for those wishing to support the business’ recovery.
Supervisor Joel Engardio offered support to Chow, visiting the store Sunday morning and thanking firefighters for a quick response. “We are grateful that Albert, his family, tenants, and employees are OK,” Engardio said in an X post. “My office will do everything we can to assist Albert in reopening his store so Great Wall Hardware can continue serving the Sunset community.”
A San Francisco Fire Department spokesperson did not immediately share details about the incident.