The fire was reported at about 1:56 a.m. in the 800 block of Fulton Street near Fillmore Street. That's right near Alamo Square and the iconic Painted Ladies. The San Francisco Fire Department initially placed the fire's location in the 900 block.
Firefighters found heavy fire in a three-story, multi-unit residential building as occupants evacuated. The blaze quickly escalated to a two-alarm response.
Crews rescued 18 people from second- and third-floor windows, while other residents were led to safety from inside the building, according to the department. One civilian was injured and is expected to recover.
The fire was declared under control shortly before 4 a.m. Fire officials said the blaze was confined to two structures and an adjacent exposure, with no further spread expected.
Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for several hours to extinguish hot spots and investigate the blaze, while the American Red Cross has been called in to assist residents displaced by the fire. Fire officials said they are still determining how many people were forced from their homes.
Authorities urge the public to continue avoiding the area around Fillmore Street and Fulton Street, as well as nearby Grove Street, while crews clear the scene.
The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, as of 4 a.m.