Update: Alameda County Alert: Due to a fire at Schnitzer Steel at the Port of Oakland, Alameda County residents are advised to keep windows closed and take precautionary health measures due to the decrease in air quality.
Smoke and Air Quality Advisory:
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) August 10, 2023
Earlier this evening, a fire was reported at Schnitzer Steel at the Port of Oakland. Residents in Alameda County should take precautionary health measures by keeping windows closed due to diminished air quality. pic.twitter.com/SJVGnLKtPl
A blazing fire erupted at Schnitzer Steel in the Port of Oakland just after 5:30 PM today. First on the scene, the Oakland Fire Department's (OFD) four-person engine company from Station 2 worked quickly to downgrade the fire to a single engine response, according to a tweet from the City of Oakland. Within 15 minutes, the crew contained the fire to a single large pile of debris.
#oakland https://t.co/ksClIQVEQH pic.twitter.com/AelyITUg8n
— Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) August 10, 2023
However, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and no injuries have been reported. As is standard for fires at recycling plants and warehouse corp yards, the blaze can be contained quickly, though the fire may continue to burn and give off a significant amount of smoke for several hours while crews continue to put water on the pile, the City of Oakland explains.
Fire crews expect to be on the scene for several more hours as they work with heavy equipment operators to pick apart the pile in an attempt to extinguish any underlying hotspots, OFD reported. In the meantime, there is no imminent threat or hazard due to the fire itself; however, residents in the area should take basic precautionary health measures such as avoiding the immediate area at #JackLondonSquare and keeping windows closed to mitigate diminished air quality over the next few hours.
An OFD hazardous materials team is anticipated to arrive shortly to conduct ongoing air quality testing while smoke continues to come from the location. The Oakland Fire Department will work with Alameda County health officials to provide air quality updates and guidance as needed while the incident is ongoing, the City of Oakland said.
Fire boat resources from San Francisco Fire and the City of Alameda have been requested and are also expected to arrive shortly to assist with the ongoing firefighting effort, according to another City of Oakland tweet.
The Oakland Fire Department is expected to provide more updates regarding this fire at Schnitzer Steel and the ongoing air quality concerns throughout the duration of their response. For the safety and well-being of the residents, it is vital for city officials and emergency responders to remain transparent about the situation and provide resources and support for those affected by the blaze.
