Fire Breaks Out In Oakland Warehouse

Ajooni G., Writer

On December 2, 2016, a fire broke out in a transformed warehouse, locally known as the Oakland Ghost Ship, which served as an artist collective. The fire that began in the warehouse is one of the city’s deadliest building fires on record. According to the LA Times, the Ghost Ship had been on Oakland officials’ radar for quite a while, because of neighbors complaining about all the trash and illegal construction surrounding it. At least 36 people were confirmed dead during the fire, which demolished the insides of the building during an electronic dance party. In the wake of the disaster, a sidewalk near the site became a memorial, with loved ones leaving flowers, candles, and messages for those who were lost.

District Attorney Nancy O’Malley told reporters at a news conference that while many have asked, the cause of the fire is not certain at the time. “It is not clear right now and is too early to speculate,” she said of the situation of the fire that broke out on Friday. “We will leave no stone unturned.”