OAKLAND, CA — The official death toll from a fire that engulfed an EDM rave event on Dec. 2 within an artists’ studio collective rose to 36 by Dec. 5, and although recovery efforts were 90 percent complete, the toll could rise further. The fast-moving fire began around 11:30 p.m. during the late night EDM dance party, which was initially expected to continue to 4 a.m. Dec. 3. Because the fire was accompanied by a loss of power, authorities believe it may have been electrical in nature, although the exact cause has not been conclusively determined.
The structure was being used as an artists’ studio collective and was not permitted for either events or residential use, although there were numerous reports of the building being used for both.
Besides a lack of adequate exits, sprinklers and emergency lighting, other factors in the loss of lives include the building’s maze-like interior layout of temporary walls, large artwork pieces and mannequins throughout the main floor.
Additionally, access to the warehouse’s upper story via a makeshift staircase assembled from shipping pallets — which are both unstable and highly flammable — may have been a factor in trapping victims in the top floor.
The building — nicknamed the “Ghost Ship” — is located on 31st Avenue in the city’s Fruitvale district, a mixed-use area that combines residential homes and apartments bordering the business district along the city’s International Boulevard.
