Death toll in warehouse fire rises to 24, with more expected
OAKLAND, Calif. — The death toll in a late-night dance party fire at a converted Oakland warehouse rose to 24 on Sunday as firefighters dug slowly through the charred remnants of the building in their search for what they expect will be more victims.
Crews in Oakland, California, are removing debris “bucket by bucket,” Battalion Chief Melinda Dayton said. Firefighters worked through the night in a “mindful, thoughtful and compassionate” way.
“This will be a long and arduous process, but we want to make sure we are respecting the victims and their families and firefighter safety,” Dayton said, adding that the process is “heartbreaking.”
Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said Sunday only about 20 per cent of the building has been searched. Kelly said officials have notified the families of three of the dead.