SAN FRANCISCO --
A spectacular two-alarm that sent flames and a column of thick black smoke soaring over San Francisco destroyed a warehouse housing a furniture refinishing company early Thursday morning.
The fire in a warehouse housing Custom Woodwork and Antique Restoration on San Franciscos Apparel Way was reported around 5:37 a.m. and quickly escalated to two alarms as the flames and smoke were visible for miles.
Deputy Fire Chief Richard Kochevar said the flames had burned through the beams supporting the roof, forcing firefighters to take a defensive approach.
"It has an arching roof supported by timbers," he said. "There has been a partial collapse of the roof."
Kochevar said the flames were being fueled by the chemicals used in the refinishing process.
"Initially, there was a report of an explosion," he said. "It's really early in the investigation, but anytime there are chemicals involved it is a concern to us."
Fortunately, fire officials said the business was closed at the time of the fire and no employees were in the building.
The fire was brought under control by 7:20 a.m. Arson investigators were on the scene.
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