Oakland, CA, Dec. 2, 2016—At approximately 11:20 p.m., a fire ignited at a converted warehouse, known as Ghost Ship, at 31st Avenue near International Boulevard in Oakland, CA. The fire ultimately killed 36 individuals, making it the deadliest fire in Oakland’s history and the country’s deadliest building fire since the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, in 2003.
ATF investigators indicated that the fire started on the first floor and quickly spread through the two-story, 10,000-square-foot live-work space, which was home to an artist collective and hosting a concert the night of the blaze. The warehouse was described by many as being cluttered with furniture, pianos, artwork, wood pallets and wiring. There were two stairways, but neither led to an exit. Oakland Fire Department (OFD) Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed said it was “like a maze.” What’s more: There were no fire sprinklers, and firefighters later indicated that they did not hear any smoke detectors.
Investigators have yet to identify a cause of the fire, which took fire crews 5 hours to extinguish. A multitude of allegations have since surfaced related to safety-code violations and fire inspections. The ATF and the OFD have concluded the on-scene investigation, and the OFD will prepare the final report of the scene investigation. The findings will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office in support of its criminal investigation.
OFD chaplain Jayson Landeza invited Oakland firefighters and police officers, Alameda County sheriff’s deputies and Bay Area Red Cross volunteers to attend a closure ceremony on Dec. 12. First responders walked from OFD Station No. 13 on Derby Avenue to the site of the blaze. There was a moment of silence and prayers for victims, families and first responders.
The Oakland warehouse fire has been compared to the Happy Land fire, which claimed the lives of 87 people in a New York City nightclub in 1990. Both fires involved questionable maintenance and operations of the building as well as a lack of emergency exits.
Firehouse will continue to monitor the investigation of the Oakland warehouse fire and provide updates as news unfolds.
