Redwood City Apartment Fire Leaves Dozens Homeless, Four Injured, and Pets Dead
A devastating three-alarm fire tore through a Whipple Avenue apartment building in Redwood City on Monday evening, injuring four people and forcing more than two dozen residents out of their homes.
The incident, which unfolded during the late afternoon hours of May 25, 2026, drew firefighting crews from multiple jurisdictions and left an entire community shaken.
The Redwood City Fire Department received the first call at approximately 5:18 p.m., reporting flames at 1104 Whipple Ave., a three-story residential building situated near the busy El Camino Real corridor.
The structure housed 10 units spread across two residential floors above a ground-level garage. Within minutes, fire crews were on scene, but the blaze had already taken a firm grip on the building, ultimately requiring a three-alarm response that pulled in personnel and equipment from neighboring departments, including Menlo Park.
An Hour-Long Battle to Control the Flames
Firefighters worked aggressively for roughly an hour before bringing the fire under control at around 6:20 p.m., according to Redwood City Fire Department Deputy Chief Shon Buford.
Multiple units inside the building sustained significant damage during that time, and the extent of the structural harm made it impossible for many residents to safely return to their apartments.
Four people were transported to local hospitals following the blaze. Their conditions were not immediately confirmed, though authorities acknowledged all four required medical attention. Beyond the human toll, the fire claimed the lives of several pets inside the building. While some animals managed to escape, others were found dead or remain unaccounted for.
Representatives from the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA responded to the scene to assist with animal recovery efforts.
At least 23 people, including 21 adults and two children, were officially displaced as a result of the fire and the damage it caused. Emergency services and local agencies worked to connect those residents with temporary shelter and support resources in the hours following the incident.
Road Closures and Investigation Underway
As fire crews continued their work into the evening, the Redwood City Police Department issued a public alert at 6:49 p.m. asking drivers to avoid Whipple Avenue between El Camino Real and Clinton Street.
The closure remained in effect for several hours as investigators began assessing the scene and ensuring the area was safe. By shortly before 10 p.m., police confirmed the road had reopened to traffic.
Some residents living in units that were not directly damaged were permitted to return to their homes by around 7:40 p.m., offering at least a measure of relief after a chaotic and frightening evening for the building’s occupants.
The cause of the fire has not been determined. Deputy Chief Buford confirmed Monday night that an investigation is ongoing, and no further details about potential origins or contributing factors have been released.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of how quickly residential fires can escalate and upend lives. For the families displaced by this incident, the road ahead involves not only finding a place to sleep but also rebuilding what was lost in a matter of hours.
Community organizations and local agencies have been urged to step forward with assistance as affected residents navigate the aftermath.
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