OAKLAND, Calif. \u2014 Federal officials investigating a fire that killed 36 people during a party at an Oakland warehouse plan to bring in engineers to examine the building\u2019s electrical system, as they try to pinpoint the cause of a blaze that has cast a spotlight on similar artists\u2019 colonies around the country that offer cheap housing but unsafe living conditions.<\/p>\n
Federal investigators said Wednesday the fire started on the ground and quickly raged, with smoke billowing into the second level and trapping victims whose only escape route was through the flames.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe occupants were consumed by smoke before they could get out of the building,\u201d said Jill Snyder, special agent in charge of the San Francisco office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.<\/p>\n
She also confirmed there were no sprinklers or fire alarm system in the building.<\/p>\n
Officials previously said body recovery efforts at the site had ended.<\/p>\n
Snyder reiterated that investigators were examining a refrigerator and other possibilities as a potential source of the fire but had not reached any conclusions. She said the electrical system would be examined. Investigators have not found evidence of arson, but she said they have also not ruled it out.<\/p>\n
Snyder indicated it would be at least several weeks before the investigation was completed.<\/p>\n
Officials hope to create a virtual, 3D reconstruction of the building for criminal and civil investigations and to provide answers to family members about their loved ones\u2019 last moments, Alameda County sheriff\u2019s Sgt. Ray Kelly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere was my son or daughter? Where were they standing? How come they didn\u2019t get out?\u201d he said. \u201cFamilies want answers. They need answers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fire broke out during a dance party Friday night in the cluttered warehouse.<\/p>\n
The structure had been converted to artists\u2019 studios and illegal living spaces, and former denizens said it was a death trap of piled wood, furniture, snaking electrical cords and only two exits.<\/p>\n
Danielle Boudreaux, a 40-year-old hairdresser who was close with Derick Ion Almena, the founder of the artists\u2019 colony, and his partner, Micah Allison, said it was full of extension cords plugged into each other that helped supply power to music equipment, microwaves and hot plates.<\/p>\n
There were also RVs inside, she said.<\/p>\n
Almena has not responded to emails or calls by The Associated Press to phone numbers associated with him. He has said he didn\u2019t attend the event Friday night, and he is sorry.<\/p>\n
City and state officials fielded complaints for years about dangerous conditions, drugs, neglected children, trash, thefts and squabbles at the warehouse, raising questions about why it wasn\u2019t shut down. The district attorney has warned of possible murder charges as she determines whether there were any crimes linked to the blaze.<\/p>\n
City building department chief Darin Ranelletti said code enforcement inspectors have not been inside the building for at least 30 years. He said inspectors only seek entry into buildings when a new construction permit is applied for or when the department receives complaints. Ranelletti says inspectors try to work with owners to gain access, but require a court order when denied entry.<\/p>\n
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said the city will look to strengthen regulations for smoke alarms and exits and clarify city employees\u2019 responsibilities to monitor unsafe structures.<\/p>\n
She said the city wants to engage the arts community in the review to ensure any changes don\u2019t jeopardize their access to affordable housing and work space.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, an Oakland restaurant owner, Dorothy King, called a news conference to say she was concerned the artists\u2019 warehouse next to her business could pose a safety hazard.<\/p>\n
Several artists tried to shout her down, accusing her of launching a \u201cwitch hunt\u201d that could result in artists\u2019 collectives being shut down.<\/p>\n
King said that wasn\u2019t her intention.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m concerned about my business burning down. I\u2019m concerned about a tragedy that could happen,\u201d she said. \u201cThe city should come in and help, not shut it down.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Baltimore, officials shut down an arts building for safety violations and evicted dozens of tenants three days after the fatal fire in Oakland.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer told the Los Angeles Times (http:\/\/lat.ms\/2h7NIpN) that he will meet next week with the fire chief and the head of the building and safety department to discuss what he calls an aggressive response to illegal apartment and loft conversions in commercial buildings.<\/p>\n
A vigil for the fire victims is scheduled for noon on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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