Fire breaks out at downtown Oakland apartment building; residents evacuated
A three-alarm fire broke out at a multi-story apartment building in downtown Oakland Monday morning, officials said.
Around 7:15 a.m., the Oakland Fire Department said crews were responding to a three-alarm incident at the corner of 19th and Broadway. About 50 firefighters are on scene.
A fire department spokesperson told CBS News Bay Area, that the building was being evacuated and that interior rescue operations were taking place.
Active 3 Alarm incident at residential building at the corner of 19th and Broadway (1700 block Broadway). Traffic blocked along Broadway between 17th and 20th. Approximately 50 firefighters on scene. https://t.co/I4EEyoeKtJ pic.twitter.com/CQ0OEs7Nff
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) January 19, 2026
"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, firefighters said, while one firefighter suffered a minor injury.
Firefighters said the incident was placed under control around 8:40 a.m. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.