Early this morning, a fire erupted in Oakland's Chinatown district, leading to the displacement of 38 residents from a three-story apartment building. The Oakland Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at around 5:30 a.m. at the corner of 9th and Madison, as per the Oakland Fire Department. Initial reports indicate the fire began in a dumpster before spreading to the building.
Every Second Counts! This morning's fire which started in a dumpster in the rear of the property only reached 4 of the 30 units due to an effective fire attack. The value of having quality dispatchers & strategically located firehouses throughout the city cannot be overstated. https://t.co/0EPBmTCZnx
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) August 14, 2024
Despite the blaze's rapid escalation, firefighters could contain the damage to four of the thirty units within the complex. "Every Second Counts! This morning's fire which started in a dumpster in the rear of the property only reached 4 of the 30 units due to an effective fire attack," according to the Oakland Fire Department. The prompt action by the fire crews arguably saved most of the building from significant harm.
According to a report from The Mercury News, the incident left the building without power after the fire impacted the power supply system, explained Oakland Fire spokesperson Michael Hunt. As a result, all residents were displaced, but they could evacuate the building independently. Hunt indicated that the displacements were considered temporary as the concerned authorities worked to restore power.
Following the containment of the fire, Hunt stated that the Red Cross was enlisted to assist those affected by the blaze. City workers were committed to returning power to the residents as soon as possible, although no timeline was provided. The affected building, a historic structure dating back to 1925, is reported to contain 31 living units. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no estimate of the damages has been disclosed.
