Fire erupts at home of SF dog walker experiencing racist hate crimes
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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Fire Department contained a fire on Tuesday in the 900 block of Grove Street near The Painted Ladies.
The fire occurred at Terry Williams’ house, a longtime San Francisco resident and dog walker who has been enduring a series of anti-Black hate crimes. Both of his parents were present during the time of the fire and have since been taken to a nearby hospital.
“We extend our appreciation to those who called 911, and the EMS workers and firefighters who contained the fire,” San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston said in a statement, a week after Preston issued a formal resolution condemning the hate crimes.
SF supe issues resolution condemning series of hate crimes on Black resident
According to the department, the fire began at 11:31 a.m. The fire impacted the second and third floors of the building.
“I thought somebody was playing a joke on me,” Terry Williams told KRON4 after hearing the news of his childhood home getting burned down. “[The home] meant everything to me since my dad bought the house. He worked hard to get this place.”
Photo: San Francisco Fire Department Photo: San Francisco Fire Department Photo: San Francisco Fire Department Photo: San Francisco Fire Department
As of 2 p.m., the department said fire officials rescued two adults on the upper floors and that the fire had since been contained. However, the 900 block of Grove remains closed. Seven adults and three dogs have been identified and displaced, SFFD said. As of 5 p.m., the building has been repopulated, but the fire remains under investigation.
Some of the racist hate crimes include packages containing a Black doll with a noose around its neck, written racist slurs, and a toy grenade. “I pray to God this has nothing to do with [the hate crimes,]” Williams continued, “I’m praying that no one’s this crazy. If they did do it for those reasons, you are an evil and sick person.”
Preston said he is working with the Mayor’s office to find temporary housing and ensure continued support to Williams’ family, the supervisor said in a statement.
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