Massive Calif. Fire Destroys 39 Apartments, Pubs, Cafes
Source Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif.
Nov. 19--BERKELEY -- A massive five-alarm fire destroyed a four-story building Friday night, closing pubs and cafes and leaving residents of its 39 apartment units without a home.
The fire broke out at 8:48 p.m. Friday and was not contained until 3:19 a.m. Hot spots were still flaring mid-morning Saturday. Berkeley mainstays, such as Raleigh's bar and Cafe Intermezzo were destroyed in the fire.
There were no reports of injury but one resident reported a missing pet Chihuahua, said Berkeley assistant fire chief Sabina Imrie.
The cause of the fire, at Telegraph and Haste, was unknown and firefighters were still unable to enter the building which was unstable and possibly in danger of collapse.
City officials were meeting about 11 a.m. to determine what to do about the building, address traffic and housing for those displaced, fire officials said.
The building housed cafes and pubs on the ground floor, and had three floors of apartments units above.
More than 30 residents, mostly students, contacted the Red Cross Friday night, said Red Cross volunteer John Tulloch.
"Most folks didn't get out with much of anything," Tulloch said. "I've been volunteering with the Red Cross for five years, and this is the biggest fire I've seen."
The Red Cross put eight people up for the night on Friday. If that number swells, it may open up a shelter Saturday night.
Residents needing assitance with shelter, food or clothing call call
the Red Cross at 510-595-4441 or show up at its offices at 3901 Broadway in Oakland, which will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Sunday, the Red Cross plans to bring a truck into the area from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist displaced residents.
Anyone wishing to donate, Tulloch said, should go to www.redcrossbayarea.org
Firefighters from Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda County and Albany fought the blaze.
"The cause is still under investigation because we can't enter the building," Imrie said.
She said the damages were unknown but were probably several million dollars.
As of mid-morning Saturday, there were still hot spots in the building.
