Fire breaks out at downtown Oakland apartment building; residents evacuated

By Tim Fang

A three-alarm fire broke out at a multi-story apartment building in downtown Oakland Monday morning, officials said.

The Oakland Fire Department were called to a five-story building at the corner of 19th and Broadway, near the 19th Street BART station, around 7 a.m.

Dispatchers received multiple calls from residents, including from a woman who told CBS News Bay Area that she was trapped.

“Opened my front door and it was just, the hallway which was black and full of smoke. I was like well, that’s not good,” said the resident, who did not want to be identified. “So, I had to call 911 and tell them unit I was in.” 

About 50 firefighters responded to the scene.

“Five story building, heavy fire on every floor of the building. Upon arrival, we had heavy smoke and flames,” said Fire Chief Damon Covington. “Battalion Two and Engine One and the crews did an excellent job of getting the building evacuated.”

Three people were treated for smoke inhalation and were taken to the hospital, firefighters said, while one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

“I’m glad I’m alright. I’m glad most of my neighbors are OK. I did see one of my neighbors get pulled away in an ambulance with an oxygen mask on, I hope he’s alright. Glad no one is dead as far as I’m aware,” the resident went on to say.  

The building also houses several ground floor businesses, including Dope Era, a clothing store owned by Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B. While the flames did not reach the shop, employees were seen cleaning up after the store sustained heavy water damage.

Firefighters said the incident was placed under control around 8:40 a.m. 

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.