Staples Noor Avenue South San Francisco Ca

South San Francisco, CA – A major fire erupted at the Staples retail store located at Noor Avenue early this morning, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The blaze, reported at approximately 4:15 AM PST, caused significant damage to the building, necessitating the evacuation of nearby businesses and a swift investigation into the cause.

Fire Engulfs Staples Store on Noor Avenue

The South San Francisco Fire Department received the initial alarm at 4:15 AM, reporting heavy smoke and visible flames emanating from the Staples store at 120 Noor Avenue.

First responders arrived on the scene within minutes and immediately began efforts to contain the rapidly spreading fire.

Due to the intensity of the blaze, mutual aid was requested from neighboring fire departments, including those from San Bruno and Daly City.

Immediate Response and Containment Efforts

Firefighters faced considerable challenges due to the building's structure and the large volume of combustible materials stored within the Staples retail space.

Multiple engine companies and ladder trucks were deployed to attack the fire from both the exterior and interior of the building, before structural integrity became critically compromised.

The primary objective was to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses, including a nearby fast-food restaurant and an office complex.

"The fire was already well-involved upon our arrival," stated Battalion Chief Miller of the South San Francisco Fire Department during a brief press conference held near the scene.

"Our crews worked diligently to contain the fire and prevent further spread. We are grateful for the assistance of our neighboring fire departments."

Hazmat units were also dispatched to the location due to concerns about potential hazardous materials exposure from the burning office supplies and electronics.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

As a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of all businesses within a one-block radius of the Staples store.

Residents in nearby apartment buildings were advised to shelter in place and keep their windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation.

Noor Avenue was completely shut down between El Camino Real and Airport Boulevard, resulting in significant traffic disruptions throughout the morning commute.

The South San Francisco Police Department assisted with traffic control and maintaining a secure perimeter around the fire zone.

The American Red Cross established a temporary shelter at the South San Francisco Community Center to provide assistance to displaced individuals.

As of 9:00 AM, no injuries have been reported to civilians or firefighters.

Investigation and Cause of the Fire

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire investigators from the South San Francisco Fire Department, along with arson investigators from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, are currently on the scene collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire," explained Sergeant Ramirez of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the Staples store and neighboring businesses in an effort to gain further insight into the events leading up to the fire.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have originated in the store's storage area, but the exact cause has not yet been determined.

The investigation is expected to take several days or even weeks to complete.

Impact and Next Steps

The Staples store on Noor Avenue sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.

The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is likely that the store will remain closed for an extended period of time.

The economic impact of the closure on the local community is currently unknown.

The South San Francisco Fire Department remains on the scene monitoring for any potential flare-ups and conducting further assessments of the building's structural integrity.

Noor Avenue is expected to remain closed for the majority of the day while crews continue to work at the scene.

Regular updates will be provided to the public as more information becomes available, according to authorities.