Friday night, a fire broke out at a Oakland Warehouse party. The warehouse was actually investigated by police for complaints of blight and illegal internal structures. It was converted into a place where they held art exhibits and parties. The number of people who have died in the fire is now the deadliest fire in Oakland’s recent history has risen to 33.
Fire fighters have worked overnight to taking piles of debris and transferring it to an empty building next door. Melinda Drayton, battalion chief for the Oakland Fire Department says,
“This will be a long, arduous process. What we were able to accomplish in 12 hours was a phenomenal feat. We have a lot more to go. We’re going to be here for a few more days.”
Majority of the people who were inside of the warehouse were young people, some of whom were from outside the Bay Area or the United States. Foreign consulates have now been called on behalf of the people who were not from the country. More than 50 people were inside the building. They were attending a party for musician Golden Donna’s 100% Silk West Coast Tour. Most of the bodies were found on the second floor, which is where the party was being held. Michael Rosen, who was at the party, says he stepped out for a few. Upon returning, he saw the building in flames. He says,
“I think it’s important to say this was not a rave. This was a very intimate gathering. It wasn’t a wild, out-of-control party where things got out of hand.”
So sad. Rest in peace to the lives lost in this fire.
Source: TheWashingtonPost
