The building that burned was planned to include 104 apartments, while an adjacent 75-unit building under construction was not significantly damaged, officials said.
By 3 p.m., Menlo Park Fire District Chief Mark Lorenzen said he was releasing crews after it was fully controlled and moving the operation into “mop up” mode, dousing the structure with water to prevent any flare-ups.
The fire was able to tear through the structure quickly because it didn’t yet have sprinkler systems, fire walls, or other fire protection features installed, Lorenzen said, and there were windy conditions in the area.
“From our perspective, almost the worst stage it could be in. It burned so easily through there, it was just like kindling,” Lorenzen said. “There being almost no windows…the winds from the north were just pushing right in and blowing it straight through the structure.”
No injuries were reported. Construction workers evacuated the building, and while there were some minor spots of damage to neighboring buildings or fences, Lorenzen said everyone in the area appears to be safe.
He estimated about 130 firefighters responded to this fire, with help from about every fire agency in San Mateo County and some additional help from Santa Clara County fire agencies as well. A total of 26 engines and seven ladder trucks were called in throughout the incident.
The fire was acting similar to a wildland fire due to the wind and the materials that were burning, requiring extra firefighting resources to prevent the spread of the fire, Lorenzen said.
“They were putting in insulation and the insulation was catching fire, getting lofted up by the thermal columns and launching into the neighborhood. There were burning embers dropping everywhere from the sky, big ones,” he said.
Caltrain reported delays in the area, with trains being held at the Redwood City and Menlo Park stations.
The apartments being built at Middlefield Junction were planned to be reserved for people earning incomes considered extremely low, very low and low on the pricey San Francisco peninsula. According to a previous county release about the project, 20 apartments were to be set aside for people experiencing homelessness and receiving care management and supportive services from San Mateo County Health.
Middlefield Junction was borne out of a partnership between the county, nonprofit developer Mercy Housing California, as well as the state and private investors, according to the county. It was estimated to cost $155 million in total.
Lorenzen said the wooden framing of all the upper floors is destroyed, though he said it appeared the concrete foundation and underground parking garage area were not damaged.
