By Jonathan Farrell

More than 100 firefighters worked to extinguish a three-alarm fire that broke out in the 700 block of Irving Street on Aug. 8. Four buildings were impacted, including one on Eighth Avenue.

One business that was involved in the blaze was the Progress Hardware store, located at 724 Irving St.

“The fire was dispatched at approximately 8:11 p.m. and drew a three-alarm response,” said SF Fire Department (SFFD) Public Information Officer Justin Schorr.

The cause of the conflagration is under investigation.

“The fire was ultimately under control by 9:40 p.m.,” he said.

Schorr said some residents were displaced.

“This fire involved three buildings and exterior damage to a fourth structure did occur, causing immediate displacement of seven individuals. No injuries were reported,” he said.

Schorr said SFFD fire investigators turned the building back over to the owners within 24 hours of the time of dispatch.

According to various news reports, Progress Hardware owner Joe Blair and his son Randy were watching a Giants game on TV at 8:30 p.m. that Tuesday night when they were alerted that the store was on fire.

Progress Hardware has been in the Inner Sunset since 1948. It is unknown when the store will reopen.

Blair and his family took over the business in 2000 and they have worked to maintain the continuity of quality items, service and commitment.

“We are honored to be a part of the Inner Sunset community and want to thank you for your continued support,” Blair said.

Progress Hardware provides essential services, such as locksmithing – including making keys – and supplies like lumber, glass and much more.

“We are members of the Ace Hardware co-op, but chose to remain independent,” explained Blair. “We feel it’s important to buy from a variety of suppliers, so that we’re able to offer our customers more products at competitive prices.”

Blair told reporters on Aug. 15 that he became acquainted with the long-established hardware store when he was with a plumbing company. He liked the family-owned atmosphere and the staff’s attention to details and customer service dedication so much that he became an employee. Then, over time, he bought the business from the previous owners.

Neighborhood residents were quick to respond.

“We go to this store for all our hardware needs,” said local resident Sharat Radhakrishnan. “The folks at Progress have always been the best, especially to our pup who always gets a biscuit! Hope you rebuild quickly so we can continue to support your business for years to come.”

Greg Dewar lives in the Sunset and frequently goes to Progress Hardware to have keys made or to pick up items, like a light bulb.

“This is more than a hardware store,” Dewar said. “It’s an integral part of our neighborhood.”

In addition to the extensive smoke damage, Blair will have to deal with the details of rebuilding, including filing paperwork with insurance companies, gathering permits, etc.

Despite the devastating circumstances, Blair and son Randy have faith that the community will help them to reopen.

A crowdfunding campaign has been established at GoFundMe to help with Progress Hardware’s restoration effort.

For more information or to donate, go to gofundme.com/firebuild-progress-hardware.