Label grieves tragedy that impacted “tight community of artists” and fans.
The founders of 100% Silk have issued a statement via their Facebook page calling the fire that destroyed an Oakland warehouse where some of its artists were performing Friday night “an unbelievable tragedy.” They offered condolences to the victims and their families and have shared information on how people can help.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly confirmed on Sunday morning that 24 people have so far died in the fire and that they expected to be on site for many days.
The names of the dead have yet to be made public and the cause of the fire is still unknown. The SF Gate reports that among the missing are the party’s visual artist Micah Danemayer and his girlfriend Alana Jen Kane. Others still missing include local artists and students.
The warehouse on 31st avenue in the Fruitvale district was known as the Ghost Ship and home to an artist collective and some 50 residents. According to fire officials the building had no sprinklers or smoke alarms while the furniture inside contributed to the blaze. The roof collapsed during the fire and a staircase made of pallets made exiting the second floor, where the party was taking place, more difficult. One survivor reported being unable to go back in and help, a non functioning fire extinguisher, and people jumping from the second floor.
The East Bay Times reports that the building was run by Derick Alemany and his wife, who lived there with their children. Alemany and his family were not on the premises Friday night. He posted on Facebook Saturday lamenting the loss of the building sparking the anger of Facebook users who criticized him for placing the building and its furniture above the lives lost.
The building was under investigation by city officials who had visited it on November 17 but left after no one answered.
Golden Donna, the show’s headliner, shared a Facebook update claiming he was safe though several of his friends are still missing.