Four firefighters were injured during the six-alarm response, while rescuers helped residents escape from the burning three-story building.
FOSTER CITY, CA — More than 50 families were displaced after a six-alarm fire tore through a condominium complex, badly damaging the building and injuring four firefighters as crews rescued residents from upper floors.
The fire began shortly after 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Spinnaker Cove complex at 815 Sea Spray Lane. Flames that were first reported on the lower floors spread through the three-story building as heavy smoke rose over the San Mateo County community. Officials said all residents were evacuated or rescued and no civilian injuries were reported.
The fire was extinguished by Monday, the city said, though crews remained at the complex to monitor hot spots and possible flare-ups. Authorities warned that the heavily damaged structure could be unstable, delaying inspections and preventing residents from returning to affected homes. The cause remained under investigation Tuesday.
Fire departments from across the Peninsula joined San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department crews as the emergency grew from a four-alarm response to six alarms. Hot weather, wind and the size and layout of the complex made the fire harder to control, officials said. Firefighters eventually shifted to an exterior attack because extensive structural damage made it unsafe to continue operating inside.
Four firefighters suffered injuries during the response. Two were taken to a hospital, including one who suffered burns and another who experienced smoke inhalation. Two other firefighters were treated at the scene. The hospitalized firefighters were later released, and city officials said all four were expected to make full recoveries.
A Mayday distress call was issued during the fire after firefighters searching the third floor became separated in heavy smoke. San Mateo Consolidated Fire Chief Matt Turturici said the firefighters had been searching in dark conditions when rapidly changing fire conditions overtook their area. Rescue crews located them and helped them out safely.
Residents also required help escaping the building. Fire officials said seven people were rescued from the third floor, including occupants brought down ladders and others guided through stairwells. Several residents had called emergency dispatchers to report that they were trapped, making rescue operations the first priority for arriving crews.
Officials said the fire moved through the first, second and third floors and caused major damage to dozens of units. Images from the scene showed sections of the building burned open, with parts of the interior exposed. More than 14 hours after the first alarm, firefighters were still directing water into areas where flames and smoke remained.
The condominium building did not have an automatic fire sprinkler system, fire officials said. The complex was built in 1981, before such systems were legally required there, according to information reviewed by ABC7 News. Officials had not determined whether the lack of sprinklers affected the fire’s spread.
Residents described leaving with little time to collect personal belongings. Some escaped with pets, while firefighters helped recover other animals from the complex. One resident, Takako Nimmi, said she waited about six hours before being reunited with her 18-year-old cat.
Another displaced resident, Keith Thompkins, said his mother and her caretaker were inside when the fire began. Both escaped safely. Other residents said they remained concerned about family photographs, keepsakes and other belongings left in homes and storage areas that could not be safely entered.
The American Red Cross established services for displaced residents at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center at 800 Foster City Blvd. The city said the site would provide shelter information, health services, mental health support, spiritual care and other assistance through Tuesday evening. Residents affected by the fire were asked to register at the center.
City inspectors will evaluate the damaged structures when the site is considered safe to enter. The city said additional information would be released after those inspections. Officials continued asking the public to avoid Sea Spray Lane while emergency crews and investigators worked at the complex.
Author note: Last updated August 4, 2026.