Fire that destroyed warehouse at Oakland lumber yard contained; cause under investigation
Firefighters in Oakland remained on scene Monday after containing a 4-alarm fire that broke out at a lumber yard Sunday night, destroying a warehouse.
The fire at Economy Lumber at 750 High St. became a 4-alarm blaze around 8:30 p.m., according to Michael Hunt with Oakland Fire. Just before 10 p.m., Oakland fire said over 75 firefighters were at the scene, and they were making good progress on containment.
People were asked to avoid the area, especially vehicles near Interstate Highway 880 near High Street, according to Hunt.
The fire department also suggested residents in the area keep windows and doors shut to prevent smoke from entering homes.
Rail travel near the site was halted in both directions, but was moving again as of 11:30 p.m., according to Oakland Fire. High Street between San Leandro Street and Interstate Highway 880 remained closed as of 11:45 p.m.
In an update around 9:30 a.m. Monday, the Oakland Fire Department said that crews were working with the property owner and a heavy equipment operator to pull the burned building apart to get to hot spots. Firefighters expect to be at the scene through most of the day.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported from the fire.
