Massive fire in Oakland prompts evacuations

Firefighters say they are still monitoring hot spots at a massive fire that reached 4 alarms at an apartment building on Lester Avenue near Lake Merritt in Oakland.

PHOTOS: Massive fire burns near Oakland's Lake Merritt


A five-alarm fire that broke out at an Oakland apartment building this morning near Lake Merritt has been brought under control, according to a battalion chief.

The fire was reported at 5:07 a.m. at 329 Lester Ave., a 6,528-square-foot apartment building, fire officials said.

No residents were inside at the time because the building was under renovation, according to Battalion Chief Lisa Baker.

Firefighters evacuated nearby homes as a precaution, Baker said.

No injuries were reported during the incident, she said.

Firefighters remain at the scene this morning checking for hot spots and Lester Avenue remains closed between Newton and Hanover avenues, Baker said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, she said.

Stay with ABC7 News for more details on this developing story.