Oceanside Pier Fire Produces Huge Smoke Cloud – NBC 7 San Diego

TL/DR –

A fire broke out on Oceanside Pier in San Diego County, with firefighters called to the scene on Thursday afternoon. The fire raged predominantly in an empty building that once housed Ruby’s Diner, and a smaller structure called the Brine Box, both of which are located at the end of the pier. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and while there were no immediate reports of injuries, businesses nearby were closed due to ash and smoke blowing onshore.

Intense Fire Engulfs Iconic Oceanside Pier

Last Thursday afternoon, firefighters grappled with a blaze at the end of the renowned Oceanside Pier. The fire, reported at 3 p.m., quickly blanketed the sky with smoke. Two fireboats promptly arrived, battling the fire at the pier’s end, known as the hammerhead, with water cannons.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Despite the smoke, it was clear that the building at the end of the pier, the former Ruby’s Diner, was intensely ablaze. As additional vessels and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter joined the firefighting efforts, the Oceanside Fire Department requested that residents avoid the area.

Despite challenging conditions, the firefighting efforts were eased somewhat by the moderate surf. During a 5 p.m. press conference, Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez revealed that the focus was not on saving the restaurant but on preserving the rest of the pier.

Multiple Firefighting Vessels and Helicopters Employed

By 4:21, a jointly-operated helicopter from Cal Fire and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department arrived to make rare water drops. Around 4:35, the new Triton firefighting vessel arrived from the San Diego Fire Rescue, further bolstering the response. Nearby businesses, including the Famous High Pie at the Top Gun House, closed due to the smoke and ash carried by the wind.

Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons remarked at a 5 p.m. news conference that the primary fire had mostly been extinguished, and efforts were now focused on preventing reignition. Despite these efforts, charred pieces of the pier began washing ashore around 5:30 p.m.

By 6 p.m., the scene had changed significantly. While smoke was still present, the fire had largely been extinguished. Firefighting vessels and the Coast Guard cutter remained on standby to prevent any flare-ups.

Efforts to Prevent Fire Spread

Chief Blake Dorse of the Oceanside Fire Department stated that crews would remain on scene overnight to monitor for hidden fire or hotspots. As of 10 p.m., there was still active fire on the pier. However, the blaze was expected to remain contained due to a 5-foot trench created by removing several pier planks.

Despite the tragedy, co-owner of the Brine Box, Jessica Waite, expressed relief that everyone was safely evacuated. The pier, which received a $5.5 million upgrade last year, has a history of destruction, having been rebuilt twice since its initial construction in 1888.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. Mayor Sanchez confirmed that all employees had been accounted for and assured that the city would rebuild. It is expected to take several days to determine the fire’s cause.

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