Massive Blaze Consumes Building at Telegraph and Haste

Firefighters from Berkeley and surrounding departments spent six hours trying to control a four-alarm fire that started at a building on Telegraph and Haste on Friday evening just before 9 p.m. The blaze was under control by 3:19 a.m., according to Berkeley Fire Chief Sabina Imrie.

The fire spread was first reported at 8:48 p.m. Friday night, according to fire officials, and a unit was at the scene by 8:56 p.m. The blaze spread throughout the entire five-story building, which comprises 39 units. The building has commercial space on the first floor that includes ,  and , as well as residential apartments — the Sequoia Apartments — located at 2441 Haste Street.

Oakland, Albany and Alameda County fire departments all battled the blaze throughout Friday evening. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Residents were evacuated and no injuries have been reported. No firefighters were injured, Imrie said.

Displaced residents who need assistance may call the Red Cross, who is providing alternative housing, at (510) 508-6172.

The Daily Cal reported that streets surrounding the apartment building on Telegraph Avenue were closed to pedestrians while firefighters battle the blaze. 

Dan Brekke was on scene and reported the following on his blog:

For the half hour or so we were out there, water was being aggressively dumped onto the fire... but more open flame appeared and the fire seemed to spread. One would guess the building, which had several restaurants on the ground floor, is a total loss. While I was taking some video at along Haste Street, a firefighter walked up the street looking for people who lived in the building. He found a few, and directed them to Moe's Books, where the Red Cross, around the corner on Telegraph, where the Red Cross had set up an aid station.

Did you see the fire at Telegraph and Haste? Do you live in the apartment building or nearby? Do you work at one of the restaurants? Share information and tell us about your experience comments.