Crews Begin Knocking Down Building Damaged In San Francisco Mission Bay Fire

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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) Crews on Wednesday afternoon started demolishing the remains of an apartment building that was under construction in San Franciscos Mission Bay neighborhood when it was destroyed in a five-alarm fire Tuesday.

The fire was reported just before 5 p.m. and quickly grew, sending up a dark plume of smoke that could be seen from many parts of the Bay Area. Flames spread and engulfed the building, and there was initial concern that the blaze could spread to other structures.

The flames have since been quelled and water has been poured onto the building overnight and throughout most of the day, according to fire officails.

The blaze has been contained to the building, but nearby buildings, including the Strata at Mission Bay apartments and a building at the University of California at San Francisco Mission Bay campus, were damaged by flying embers, excessive heat and smoke, officials said.

PHOTOS:San Francisco Mission Bay Fire

Deputy Chief Mark Gonzales said this isnt your typical fire, and fire crews will remain at the scene Wednesday evening watching for flare-ups as the demolition proceeds.

The construction company, Suffolk Construction Co., brought in equipment around 3 p.m. to pull apart the gutted building, parts of which were threatening to collapse, Gonzales said.

Fire crews are assisting and ready to put out any smoldering areas deeper into the building, he said.

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Crews Begin Knocking Down Building Damaged In San Francisco Mission Bay Fire