A fast-moving fire tore through a single-story building in East Oakland yesterday evening, racing into neighboring units and triggering a rapid search of the property, city fire officials said. Crews knocked down the main flames in short order, and medics treated one person at the scene for breathing problems.
According to SFGATE, multiple 911 calls started coming in just before 6 p.m. about a blaze in the 9600 block of C Street near Elmhurst Avenue. The main fire was located at 9607 C St., and the Oakland Fire Department said the flames ultimately spread into more than one unit. Firefighters had the blaze contained to the structure by about 6:05 p.m., and a search-and-rescue sweep turned up no occupants inside. A department spokesperson did not release an exact unit count as investigators continue to examine the cause.
Officials Investigate Cause And Ask Public To Share Tips
The Oakland Fire Department said the origin of the fire remains under investigation, and investigators were still on scene today collecting details. The city’s Fire Department website lists contact information for non-emergency calls and tips, and officials are urging anyone with video or information about the incident to share it with fire investigators.
Response Strains And Recent Fire Trends
The incident comes as Oakland continues to wrestle with station brownouts and staffing pressures that residents and firefighters say have stretched coverage in some neighborhoods. KQED has reported on budget-driven station closures, and earlier coverage highlighted other damaging structure fires in the city over the past year, including a boarded commercial building that burned multiple times. That recurring blaze was detailed by ABC7 as part of a wider pattern of property fires.
Oakland investigators have not released further information about how yesterday’s fire started or the extent it the damage. Officials said updates will be provided as the investigation moves forward.
