Fire That Burned 2-Story Apartment Building In West Oakland Called 'Suspicious'

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- A fire burned a four-plex apartment building in West Oakland early Friday morning, a fire battalion chief said.

The fire in the 2-story building at 16th and Center streets was reported at about 2:45 a.m., fire Battalion Chief Geoff Hunter said.

Crews arrived to find the first floor engulfed with flames extending to the home's second floor. It took about a half hour to get the fire out, Hunter said.

The first floor was extensively damaged. Hunter estimated damage to the building was at least $100,000 but said it could be much as $200,000.

Three women and two men who lived in the building were displaced. No one was injured.

Fire investigators are looking into what caused the blaze, which Hunter said appears to be suspicious.

Alameda