Death toll rises in Oakland fire

Official: Only 20% of dangerous building searched

OAKLAND, CALIF. The death toll rose to 33 Sunday and could still climb after a massive weekend fire roared through this city’s “Ghost Ship,” a warehouse-turned-artist collective and popular party space.

Mayor Libby Schaaf said Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley had activated a criminal investigation team and that investigators were on the scene of the fire.

Schaaf said the families of seven victims had been notified and that officials would be releasing the names of the deceased “promptly.”

“It is with so much grief and so much compassion that we as your city family share with you this horrific news,” she said.

County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ray Kelly said about 35 percent to 40 percent of the building had been searched since Friday night’s blaze, so a final death toll could be days away.

“The number will go up,” Kelly said Sunday. “Firefighters are tired, exhausted. This is very emotional.”

He said the victims include “minors.” He added that some of the victims hailed from Europe and Asia.

Kelly said one of the victims, whom he didn’t identify, was son of a county sheriff’s deputy.

Asked about criminal charges in the blaze, Schaaf said engaging O’Malley’s criminal investigation team “allows a criminal investigation to be conducted — I believe it is a bit premature and I am not authorized to make that announcement. Only the district attorney is allowed to make the announcement of criminal charges.”

The fire broke out during an electronic-music party at the warehouse, part of which had been converted to makeshift art studios and living areas. The party apparently took place in a large open space on the second floor, accessible by a single wooden staircase.

Melinda Drayton, Oakland Fire Department battalion chief, said firefighters breached a wall overnight and were attempting to systematically and safely remove debris “bucket by bucket” from the battered building. She said firefighters had not yet reached the location where the fire began, and investigators were far from determining the cause of the blaze.

“This will be a long and arduous process,” she said. “We want to make sure we are respecting the victims and their families and ensuring our firefighters’ safety.”