OAKLAND — Thirteen people, including one child, were displaced after a two-alarm fire affected four units in a multistory-building on the 2300 block of East 17th Street in East Oakland, according to Battalion Chief Jamie Bowron of the Oakland Fire Department.
Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the blaze, which was first reported at 11:43 a.m., destroyed one building, damaged at least three others, and downed utility wires along 17th Street. The fire was contained within 30 minutes, with crews continuing work on the building’s roof and rear areas. No firefighters or residents were injured, but traffic in the area remains closed. Power remains off in the area. The incident was declared under control at 1:04 p.m.
Fire officials advised residents and travelers to avoid the area between Foothill Boulevard and East 19th Street along 24th Avenue due to ongoing emergency response operations.
The Red Cross was called to assist people displaced by the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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Source: www.mercurynews.com