A fire broke out as the party was starting.
The East Bay Times reports that up to nine people have died after a fire broke out in a warehouse where artists from the 100% Silk label were performing on Friday night. As of 9AM EST on Saturday morning, local firefighters reported the fire under control though they remained on site.
The fire started around 11:30pm PST, just over two hours after the party’s stated opening time, in a warehouse building located in the city’s Fruitvale district. Nicknamed Ghost Ship the building was host to an artists collective and home to around 50 people. Local fire officials told the East Bay Times they saw no signs of smoke alarms or sprinklers being activated. They are reporting at least nine dead as a result of the fire as well as 25 missing.
According to its Facebook page, the event was part of Golden Donna’s 100% Silk west coast tour and featured another two label acts, Cherushii and Nackt, alongside another four performers. A pinned post on the event page is asking people to confirm whether or not they were in attendance in order to identify anyone that may still be missing.
Update:
The Associated Press now reports that officials have confirmed nine dead but fear up to 40 people may have died in the fire.
The Latest: Officials prepared to deal with up to 40 deaths after a fire broke out at a warehouse party in Oakland. https://t.co/ziwV49RScY
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 3, 2016
The warehouse had no clear exit path and the only way out of the second floor was a makeshift stairwell made of pallets.
Some good friends unaccounted for in the Oakland fire – if you have any info on who made it out please post here https://t.co/ST7gSMPBeB
— Holly Herndon (@hollyherndon) December 3, 2016
@OaklandFire chief Teresa Deloach-Reed gives updates on #Oaklandfire where at least 9 people died. Stay tuned @EastBayTimes @mgafni pic.twitter.com/xkhFst3xUj
— Ray (@rayinaction) December 3, 2016
31st Ave: E13 on scene Commercial building with heavy smoke showing. #oakland #fire
— Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) December 3, 2016
31st Ave: Fire through the roof, Command requests all units out of the building, going defensive. @KTVU @kron4news @CBSSF @abc7newsbayarea
— Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) December 3, 2016
31st Ave- crews will remain on scene for several more hours. 2 ladder pipes and hand lines still deployed extinguishing hot spots. #oakland
— Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) December 3, 2016
I'm trying to pack and I can't even breathe thinking about Oakland. Dear lord have mercy on our folks.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) December 3, 2016
