Officials in Oakland are investigating a warehouse fire that impacted 10 businesses. Melissa Colorado reports.
An Oakland warehouse used to house artist workshops went up in flames early Friday.
The blaze, at the corner of 23rd Avenue and East 11th Street, was first reported at 6:23 a.m. Crews are expected to remain on scene for most of the day to put out hotspots.
Oakland Fire Department Deputy Chief Nick Luby said it appears no one was inside the building when the blaze broke out and despite significant water challenges, no injuries were reported and much of the buildin was saved.
The warehouse is a commercial building housing art and manufacturing businesses. Luby said up to 10 businesses inside are impacted by the fire.
Neighbors said the building was an old metal factory that was turned into an art studio space for several artists. Artists also hosted workshops in the warehouse, neighbors said.
Esperanza Corona lives next door to the warehouse and said she called 911 when she saw flames shoot up.
"They used to have little gatherings, arts exhibitions and stuff like that," Corona said. "It's just material, and it’s replaceable and nobody lost their lives, thank god for that," said Corona.
When crews arrived on scene, firefighters reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the warehouse. At least 50 firefighters responded to the scene.
The thick smoke could be seen across the East Bay.
A cause is under investigation.
