People living near SF fire still airing out their smokey homes
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Businesses near the Big House Inc. on Mission Street were open Friday, but people who live behind Big House on Bartlett Street still aren't able to go home because the smell of smoke is still so heavy.
San Francisco building inspectors decided that the structure is too badly damaged by fire and it must come down. They just need to get the permits to make that happen.
Many people nearby are still trying to air out their apartments.
"Our house was just really filled with smoke even last night and the firefighters said it was probably dangerous to sleep here, so we all slept elsewhere," said Hillary Kaiser.
Crews clean up debris after Mission District fire
Kaiser's backyard butts right up against the store that caught fire. She thought for sure she'd lose her home.
Neighbor Rebecca Cervantes felt the same way.
"I just feel so fortunate that the firefighters were able to save it. I feel really fortunate the firefighters were able to keep it from getting to us," said Cervantes.
Fire hoses still snake through the garden and firefighters remain on scene.
Jessica Thompson doesn't live here but she was cat sitting for her friend who's on vacation. She came running to check on the cats when she heard about the fire.
A lot of people on Bartlett Street were nervous with the massive flames so close to home.
When they realized their homes spared they didn't think they'd have to stay away.
"We did not stay here last night. I have asthma and I have a toddler and I did not want him breathing that and we're still not staying tonight either. It's still smokey. I just came to open all the windows and air the place out," said Cervantes.
