Fire chief: 1 death confirmed in massive fire south of San Francisco, victim search ongoing

1 death confirmed in fire south of San Francisco

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — A Northern California fire chief says one fatality has been confirmed in a massive blast and fire in a residential neighborhood south of San Francisco.

San Bruno Fire Chief Dennis Haag says it will take fire crews until at least Friday afternoon to do a full search for more victims of the blaze that erupted Thursday evening.

Haag said more than 100 residents sent fleeing by the flames were being cared for at nearby evacuation centers. He had no estimate of the number of people missing or injured.

Firefighters are still battling the blaze, which Haag says is 50 percent contained.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (AP) — A California emergency official says 53 homes have been destroyed and 120 damaged in a massive blast and fire south of San Francisco.

California Emergency Management Agency spokesman Jay Allen says the fire in a San Bruno neighborhood had spread to 10 acres Thursday night.

Allen says the blaze is 50 percent contained as firefighters battle the flames into the night. He had no estimate of the number of injuries.