At least 9 dead, 25 unaccounted for in Oakland fire
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Nine people have been confirmed dead and 25 have been unaccounted for after a three-alarm fire broke out inside a warehouse in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood late Friday night, an Oakland fire chief said.
Alameda County sheriff's officials are preparing for up to 40 dead.
During a press conference, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff said the building was permitted as a warehouse.
Oakland police said they had to halt recovery efforts earlier in the day because the building was unsafe, but recovery efforts have resumed.
Officials said the scene will remain active over the next 48 hours.
------
WATCH LIVE: At least 9 dead, 25 unaccounted for in Oakland fire
------
PHOTOS: At least 9 dead in Oakland warehouse fire
Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke coming from the two-story building and later reported fire coming through the roof. By about 4:15 a.m., firefighters were attempting to extinguish hot spots, according to fire officials.
As of 8:40 a.m., fire officials remained on the scene searching through debris for additional victims, according to fire Chief Theresa Deloach Reed said.
The building is a live work/residence, according to the Oakland Police Department.
A party with musical acts took place at that location Friday night. According to the event's Facebook page, about 200 people said they would be attending the event, called the "Golden Donna 100% Silk 2016 West Coast Tour." The page had dozens of people commenting this morning, asking about loved ones who are still unaccounted for.
Police are asking anyone looking for missing persons associate with this fire to contact the Alameda County Sheriff's Coroner's Bureau.
The Alameda County coroner is responding to the scene, according to fire officials.
Firefighters have called in a special task force to help them in the investigation.
Drones will be sent in air to check for hot spots to determine whether or not it is safe to enter the building.
Friends and family members affected by the fire are going to 2425 East 12th Street to get help.
Anyone affected by this fire is encouraged to call 510-382-3000 to get information.
The victims have not been identified at this time.
Click here to find out if people in the area are safe.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said she spoke with some of the families of the victims earlier today.
"It's painful to tell them that it will be a considerable amount of time before we can give them the closure they deserve," Schaaf said.
Click here to donate and help the the families of the victims. The fund had raised about $50,000 out of its goal of $100,000 as of 4:30 p.m.
The Oakland A's professional baseball team also created a fund for victims and said they are matching donations of up to $30,000. The fund at had received more than $22,000 as of late this afternoon.
A vigil for people affected by the fire was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes Oakland at 4499 Piedmont Ave.
During a press conference, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff said the building was permitted as a warehouse.
ABC7 News contributed to this story.
