After an overnight struggle, numerous fire teams persisted into Friday, employing both land and sea resources to combat a massive blaze that engulfed the end of Oceanside Pier, a longstanding icon in the area.
Throughout Friday, efforts continued as crews worked to hose down the pier, maintaining a steady smolder contrasting with the previous day’s billowing dark smoke. With four firefighting boats and two rescue vessels in action, officials maintained their vigilance into the early morning hours.
Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons cautiously expressed progress, noting, “We are not ready to declare the fire under control just yet, but we are nearing that point.” Utilizing aerial reconnaissance and drones, the city intensively monitored the situation, focusing particularly on the former Ruby’s location, suspected as the fire’s origin.
During the night, firefighters strategically retreated, allowing portions of the blaze to burn in inaccessible areas. Concerns arose over a suspended sewage tank beneath the deck, though fortunately, no damage or leakage was reported.
With safety a priority, the U.S. Coast Guard enforced a 500-yard exclusion zone around the pier and beachfront. The fire, initially reported shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday, originated at the former Ruby’s Diner site, adjacent to an operational business, the Brine Box.
The spectacle drew crowds to the coast, some even posing for selfies against the backdrop of the historic inferno. As hours passed, additional firefighting assets, including rare aerial water drops and reinforcements from neighboring jurisdictions, joined the battle.
Smoke and ash forced nearby businesses, including the Famous High Pie at the Top Gun House, to shutter temporarily. At a news briefing, Chief Parsons acknowledged lifeguards’ swift response and highlighted efforts to contain the blaze, which persisted into the evening.
By late night, the fight persisted, with crews focusing on the restaurant building and pier. Strategic measures, including trenching, were implemented to halt the fire’s eastward spread.
Despite recent infrastructure upgrades totaling $5.5 million, the pier, dating back to 1888, has faced destruction twice before. While investigations into the cause of the fire were ongoing, Mayor Sanchez affirmed the city’s commitment to rebuilding.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities remained vigilant, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the incident’s origins and emphasizing the importance of a thorough inquiry.
