Wind-driven fire in San Francisco

Firefighters and police officers keep watch over an apartment fire in San Francisco’s Western Addition on Thursday. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

Dec. 22, 2011 12 AM PT

A fire burning in San Francisco’s Western Addition on Thursday was being fueled by 20-mph wind gusts, and smoke could be seen from across the city.

The burning roof of an apartment in San Francisco’s Western Addition is shown. The five-alarm fire, which started just before noon Thursday, was stoked by strong winds. It has engulfed at least three buildings. At least 120 firefighters were battling the flames. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

San Francisco firefighters climb a ladder at an apartment fire in the Western Addition area of San Francisco on Thursday. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

A man looks through a camera while sitting on a roof across the street from an apartment fire in the Western Addition area in San Francisco. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

A San Francisco firefighter sprays water on an apartment fire in the Western Addition area in San Francisco on Thursday as smoke billows up. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

A crowd looks on at an apartment fire in the Western Addition area of San Francisco. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)