On July 8, 2017, and at approximately 7:30 PM, the crane at 2302 Valdez was safely brought down; however, glass and debris which fell to the ground on Sunday, July 9 from 180 Grand Avenue has required additional safety measures to be put in place to ensure the safety of persons in and traveling through the area. 180 Grand has been placed under an order to evacuate until a determination of the building's condition has been made, and any safety issues have been resolved.
Fire Investigation
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Personnel from the Oakland Fire Department (OFD) Arson Investigation Unit, the Alameda County District Attorney's Arson Task Force and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are now able to access gain the site. Members of the ATF National Response Team (NRT) will arrive on Monday, July 10, to assist OFD personnel on scene in processing evidence collected from the building site. Persons with information about the fire can call (510) 777-3333 to report any tips.
Building Condition Assessment
The City of Oakland's Building Services Division conducted an assessment of the buildings surrounding 2302 Valdez on Sunday, July 9. Among the residences that were evacuated, two: 2343 Waverly Street and 2346 Valdez have not been cleared for occupancy. With the exception of 2343 Waverly Street and 2346 Valdez, electricity and gas service has been restored to all residences except those specifically mentioned, and so all other residents may return to their to homes.
Emergency Assistance
The Red Cross emergency shelter at the St. Vincent de Paul Center on Grand and San Pablo Avenues was closed as of 7:00 AM Sunday, July 9, 2017. The Red Cross, in cooperation with the building developer Wood Street Partners and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is currently housing affected persons in hotels, so it was determined that an overnight shelter was no longer needed.
At 12:00 PM, the Red Cross opened an assistance center for impacted residents at their administrative offices at 3901 Broadway, Oakland, CA. Anyone that has been directly impacted by the fire should contact the Red Cross for assistance. Persons can either call the Red Cross at (510) 595-4441 or visit their offices at 3901 Broadway.
The City of Oakland will provide support for those with longer term housing needs. Services will be coordinated by the City of Oakland Housing and Community Development Department.
Business Assistance
Businesses that have been impacted are encouraged to contact the Oakland Business Assistance Center at (510) 238-7952.
Traffic and Parking
Foot traffic, vehicle traffic and parking in the area around 23rd and Harrison to Valdez/24th/Waverly will continue to be restricted due to falling debris, and ongoing efforts to clear the site. Traffic and security in and around the site continues to be managed by the Oakland Police
Impacted residents and members of the public can call (510) 238-2181 for updates.
Media Contact: Sean Maher smaher@oaklandca.gov 510-238-6358 desk 510-473-2610 cell.
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