Oakland, CA…The Oakland Police Department is supporting the Oakland Fire Department as they are conducting their investigation into the large structure fire at 1305 31st Avenue. Per the Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed:
There are nine (9) known fatalities from this incident. At this time, an assessment is still being made of any additional victims in association with this incident.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau and Chief Forensic Pathologist are processing the scene. Alameda County Arson Task Force is currently on scene to assist with the investigation. We are also working with Federal partners to determine the cause of the fire and assist with the investigation moving forward.

Due to structural damage from the fire, the ongoing investigation efforts and search for additional victims will be methodical and are anticipated to take some time. The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau has established a Family Assistance Center in coordination with the American Red Cross, located at 2425 East 12th Street in Oakland. Family members and friends looking to locate loved ones may go to the center in person or call (510 382-3000. There will be grief counseling and resources available to families affected by this tragedy. We are requesting that only families and loved ones go to the Family Assistance Center and ask that media respect the privacy of families at this time.
The City of Oakland and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office have set up a joint command post at the corner of Fruitvale Ave. and International Blvd.

Public Information Officers will be providing hourly media updates throughout the day, on the hour. City officials will hold a news conference this afternoon at a location and time to be announced.

For updates on Twitter, stay tuned to @ACSOSheriffs and @oaklandpoliceca and the following hashtags:
#oaklandfire
#31stAvefire

Mayor Libby Schaaf issued the following statement:
“Last night’s fire was an immense tragedy. I am grateful to our first responders for their efforts to deal with this deadly fire. Our focus right now is on the victims and their families and ensuring that we have a full accounting for everyone who was impacted by this tragedy.

“We are fully committed to sharing as much information as we can as quickly as possible. The most critical information to share at this time is the phone number where victims’ families can get information which is (510) 382-3000 at the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau.”