Large fires in California, many people were killed

The US authorities said the number of people killed in a warehouse fire in the city of Oakland, California can be up to 40 people.


Flames rising from the roof of the warehouse after the ceiling collapsed - Reuters

According to BBC, the fire took place at dawn on 3-12, local time, at the warehouse was used to organize a concert and theater. Nearly 100 people to be here when the fire occurred.

Images broadcast on social networks showed firefighters struggling with huge fire rising from the roof of the two storey building. The fire caused the building's ceiling collapsed, making it difficult for the fire.

Many escaped but the rest are out of luck. So far, at least nine people have been identified deaths and dozens are still missing. Most of those killed, at the age of 20 and 30, on the second floor of the building.

Fire forces commander-Reed Oakland Deloche Teresa, the building does not have automatic sprinkler systems for fire prevention and firefighting force also did not hear any alarms when the fire scene.

Fire burns very rapidly due to the many flammable items stored in the warehouse such as furniture and other furnishings. "It's like this tinderbox" - she Deloche-Reed said. Warehouse is also the studio of local artists. Meanwhile, the building has only two exits. Yet the only exits on the second floor is in fact just a makeshift staircase with wooden panels.

"My skin seemed to peel off and my lungs filled with smoke - he photographers Bob Mule live in the building say - I can not turn firefighting system."

Cause of the fire is under investigation. But local officials insist they are not licensed for the concerts held in the warehouse.

This is the biggest tragedy in Oakland since the 1989 earthquake that killed 63 people.


A woman could not hold back tears at the scene of the fire - Reuters

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