As firefighters fought the fire, the famous Oceanside Pier in southern California burst into flames on Thursday afternoon, sending towering plumes of smoke into the sky.
Investigators are currently working to ascertain the source of the massive fire’s ignition, the city stated in its most recent statement, after crews worked to confine and completely put out the flames overnight. Based on the update, no injuries were recorded.
The enormous fire at the well-liked seaside city pier by both locals and visitors caused a social media frenzy. What we know about what transpired is as follows.
Still working the pier fire. Crews will remain working through the night to ensure it remains confined to the end of the pier. pic.twitter.com/JEJdWZK0FG
— Oceanside Fire Department (@Oceanside_Fire) April 26, 2024
Pier is still closed even though the fire was controlled
According to officials, the building and the restaurants situated on it were damaged by the fire that started at 3 p.m. local time on Thursday at the end of the pier.
Along with support from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via a helicopter and the U.S. Coast Guard from the water, the Oceanside Fire Department arrived on the scene to tackle the fire from the ground up.
Watchers gathered on the neighboring beach to watch as smoke billowed into the sky from the end of the pier, as captured in online photographs and videos from KGTV in San Diego.
The fire was mostly restricted by 6 p.m. to the end of the pier, and workers intended to continue working into the night to ensure it was entirely put out.
In order “to keep the community safe from any debris that washes up,” the beach remained blocked as of 11:25 p.m. on Thursday from the pier south to Tyson Street, the fire department posted on Facebook. The city has persisted in its recommendation that people avoid the area in order to avoid any residual smoke.
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Since 1890, Oceanside Pier has been demolished five times
Constructed in 1888, the 1,954-foot-long pier is renowned for being the longest wooden pier along the western coast of the United States.
Since furious waters initially destroyed it in 1890, it has been rebuilt five times, according to VisitOceanside, the city’s tourism office. This structure was established in 1987.
According to the city, the pier serves as the background for a variety of Oceanside events, including concerts at an amphitheater and surf competitions.
According to the city’s most recent statement, it is likely that the cause of the fire won’t be found for a few days.
