The Chronicle reports three firefighters have been injured while battling a blaze that broke out around 10:45 am this morning on Berkeley Way in Diamond Heights. According to an SFFD spokesperson, two firefighters were found badly burned after a "flashover" knocked them unconscious inside the blazing four-story home. The third was in the same room, but suffered minor injuries and was able to walk out under his own power. All three were rushed to San Francisco General. As usual, we'll update with details as we get them.
Update: ABC7 now reports one of the injured firefighters has succumbed to his injuries after being taken to San Francisco General. The other unconscious firefighter remains in critical condition.
"Flashovers" occur when everything in a room ignites at once. In this case crews outside spotted the flash and sent in additional firefighters when the injured did not respond to radio calls. According to SFFD spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge, structures like this one - a four-story home with two levels built in to the hill - have been problematic for the Fire Department in the past.
A resident of the home and three others who were inside when the fire broke out escaped safely along with the family dog.
