Massive Fire at SF’s Pier 45. Historic WWII Ship Saved
A major fire struck San Francisco near Fisherman’s Wharf this morning destroying a large warehouse at Pier 45, but firefighters were able to save the historic WWII liberty ship, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien.
- @FitzTheReporter reports there were 100 firefighters and 40 vehicles deployed
- @MuseeMecSF says the Musée Mécanique has survived and there is no known damage
- NBC reports firefighters responded to the fire at 4:20am this morning.
- KPIX reports that there were 130 firefighters on the scene and the fire was contained around 6:40am The warehouse contained a large fish processing operation owned by Caito Fisheries who are a major processor for the Northern California crab fleet.
So it’s pier 45 that is burning. Looks like it’s aloha seafood. This is the same pier that Musee Mechanique is on. The most central pier in Fisherman’s wharf. But I think the museum will be saved as the fire didn’t get that far down. pic.twitter.com/BnQdwl6EmC
— Dan Whaley (@dwhly) May 23, 2020
UPDATE: WORKING FIRE, 4TH ALARM, PIER 45, SF, btwn TAYLOR ST and JONES ST, #SFFD @KTVU @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/Qm53y36AJD
— San Francisco Firefighters 798 (@SFFFLocal798) May 23, 2020
The fire also damaged Shed C on Pier 45 and will set back any opening dates for San Francisco Maritime. You can donate to support San Francisco Maritime. More details to come.
Update from San Francisco Maritime National Association
Early this morning there was a fire on Pier 45, Shed C, next to the SS Jeremiah O’Brien and USS Pampanito Submarine. The fire was contained to this area and did not damage the USS Pampanito or our offices on Pier 45, Shed A. The SS Jeremiah O’Brien was saved, too.
Unfortunately, we expect that this disaster will limit access to the pier and our programs for the foreseeable future.
This incident comes at a time when our organization is fighting to remain open and serve the public.This fire will impact revenue from visitors and the educational programs on this national treasure and the World War II Maritime Museum at Pier 45.
Any support you could provide at this time would be greatly appreciated in our greatest time of need.
