Oceanside, California – Fire crews in Oceanside, California, battled a massive blaze that engulfed the end of the iconic Oceanside Pier. The fire started on Thursday afternoon, with dozens of crews working through the night to extinguish the flames by land and sea.
As the fire continued to smolder on Friday, crews remained on-site hosing down the pier to prevent any potential flare-ups. Fire officials disclosed that firefighting boats and rescue boats were still actively pouring water early in the morning, with efforts ongoing to bring the fire under control.
Authorities revealed that arson investigators were present at the scene, focusing on the point of origin believed to be at the old Ruby’s location on the pier. Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons mentioned that the fire had primarily affected the restaurant building, with minimal damage to the pier’s structure itself.
Despite challenges in reaching certain areas of the blaze, firefighters made strategic decisions during the night to allow the fire to burn in those hard-to-access sections. Parsons noted a roof collapse in the restaurant building but assured that the majority of the pier remained undamaged by the fire.
The U.S. Coast Guard implemented a safety zone around the pier and the beach, restricting access within 500 yards of the affected area. Businesses and restaurants near the pier were temporarily closed due to the onshore winds carrying smoke and ash towards the coastline.
Efforts to contain the fire involved multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, San Diego Fire Rescue, and other neighboring fire departments that provided ground support. A rare sight of a helicopter making a water drop on the burning structure was observed, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to combat the blaze.
The Oceanside Pier, a historic landmark that underwent a recent $5.5 million upgrade, faced a devastating fire, igniting memories of past incidents where buildings on the pier were destroyed. Despite the destruction, city officials expressed determination to rebuild and restore the iconic structure.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities working diligently to determine the origins of the blaze. The community awaits updates on the situation as emergency response teams continue to address the aftermath of the fire that left the Oceanside Pier in ruins.