The Port of Oakland was shrouded in a blanket of dark smoke after a fire broke out Sunday afternoon, sending alarm through the Bay Area community. According to SFGate, the blaze ignited in a facility housing lithium batteries on Seventh Street and was effectively snuffed out by 4:30 p.m., following efforts by the Oakland Fire Department.
Spokesperson Michael Hunt explained the situation, stating via SFGate, "The fire was in a lithium battery at the port, on Seventh Street," while also clarifying that the fire began around 3 p.m. and took firefighters about an hour to get under control; meanwhile, residents in the vicinity were likely startled as the smoke rose high and spread out over the bay area, not knowing at first what had caused such a scene or how dangerous it might be. The Oakland Fire Department's X post also noted the large outside fire. The cause remains under investigation, seeking to uncover the specifics behind the incident's origin and the factors that could have contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
Fire Extinguished. Cause under investigation. https://t.co/6p4zZBIXX7
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) May 13, 2024
Photos circulating on social media depict the scale of the incident, with a towering column of smoke visible from various points around the city. No injuries have been reported, and updates from officials continued to reassure the public as the fire's status transitioned from active crisis to retrospective investigation.
