A devastating fire has erupted at the iconic wooden pier in Oceanside, California, sending firefighters into a fierce battle to contain the inferno. Located about 40 minutes north of San Diego city, the historic Oceanside Pier has become the focal point of a massive blaze, with reports indicating the fire broke out at the site of the former Ruby’s Restaurant, a diner now permanently closed.
Despite efforts by firefighting boats on the scene, authorities are struggling to quell the flames, exacerbated by the pier’s wooden structure. The situation intensified when the roof of a small adjacent building collapsed, adding to the challenges faced by responders.
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Constructed in 1888, the Oceanside Pier holds significant historical value, prompting the city to invest $5.5 million last year in its renovation, including upgrades to old pipes and electrical systems. The fire, reported just after 3 p.m. Thursday, originated in a vacant building at the pier’s western end, formerly occupied by Ruby’s Diner until its closure three years ago.
Aerial footage captured a thick plume of smoke billowing from the scene as firefighting efforts continued. Flames could be seen engulfing sections of the building and adjacent deck, presenting a formidable task for first responders.
While there have been no reports of injuries, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Oceanside Fire Department has urged residents to steer clear of the area, emphasizing safety precautions as they work to extinguish the blaze.
This isn’t the first time the historic pier has faced destruction; it previously fell victim to storms in 1890 and 1902, only to be rebuilt each time. In a similar incident in 2016, the Seal Beach Pier experienced a fire that originated from another former Ruby’s Diner building, attributed to an electrical issue.
