One confirmed dead from 6-alarm fire

One victim died in a six-alarm apartment building fire in Redwood City Sunday that also injured 21 people, fire officials confirmed Monday. That person has not yet been positively identified by the San Mateo County coroner’s office.

The fire was reported shortly before 2 a.m. at the 72-unit Hallmark House Apartments at 531 Woodside Road. It displaced around 97 people and injured 21, Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said.

Three of those injured were firefighters. However, all those treated suffered only mild to moderate injuries, Smith said.

Some residents displaced by the fire will be allowed to return to the building Tuesday morning and collect belongings in areas deemed safe by the fire department. They will be escorted in to the building beginning at 8:30 a.m., when residents of the first floor will be allowed in, and residents of the second floor will be allowed in at 1:30 p.m. But damage to the third floor was too extensive and no residents will be allowed back.

The Red Cross opened an overnight shelter that night to serve more than 40 people at the National Guard Armory at 939 Velota Road in Redwood City. Those affected by the fire and in need of help can call (888) 4-HELP-BAY.

Fire crews arriving on the scene Sunday morning found heavy flames and smoke coming from the building and many residents standing on balconies waiting to be rescued, Redwood City Fire Marshal James Palisi said. More than 100 firefighters with 20 engines and seven ladder trucks responded to the disaster.