flames broke out just before 4:30 this morning on a building on 24th street near bartlet.four people were taken to the hospital, two in critical condition with severe burns. >> a girl coming down from upstairs was covered in soot. couldn't breathe. >>> the red cross estimates the fire has left about 27 people homeless. residents say a faulty water heater may have started that fire but so far authorities haven't released an exact cause. >>> a victory for former b.a.r.t. police officer mehserle. he and a handful of other officers were cleared today to a charge unrelated to the oscar grant trial. that b.a.r.t. rider who lost his case spoke out today. >> reporter: he's practically in tears of disappointment. and mehserle broke down in court with tears of relief. >> i guess he let his emotions go and this trial concluded. >> reporter: b.a.r.t.'s attorney says this trial is a hardship for mehserle. he and four others are accused of beating up carrethers after he ranted at them about car thefts. carrethers has been seeking a million dollars damages. >> i hope people are going to