Massive Fire Engulfs Oceanside Pier in San Diego, California

A massive fire broke out on the Oceanside Pier in San Diego, California, on Thursday afternoon, causing significant damage to a vacant restaurant building and the pier structure itself. The blaze started around 3:00 p.m. inside the former Ruby's Diner located at the end of the 1,954-foot-long pier, which is the longest on the West Coast.

Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Oceanside Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and CalFire, responded to the scene and battled the flames from the pier, firefighting boats, and water-dropping helicopters. Despite their efforts, the fire remained out of control for over an hour, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air visible from miles away.

Why this matters: The Oceanside Pier is a historic landmark and popular tourist attraction, originally constructed in 1888. The fire's destruction of the pier and nearby businesses deals a blow to the local community and economy.

Authorities evacuated the pier and nearby businesses as a precaution, but no injuries were reported. "All employees from the adjacent businesses, such as Wheel Fun Rentals and Mariposa Ice Cream Oceanside, were accounted for," stated Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons.

The city had recently invested $5.5 million in upgrades to the pier's plumbing and electrical systems in 2023. Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez said, "The fire system upgrades helped prevent the entire structure from being damaged. The city is committed to rebuilding the pier, which has been rebuilt multiple times over the years due to damage from fires and storms."

By 6:00 p.m., firefighters had made significant progress in containing the blaze, though they remained on the scene to prevent any flare-ups. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Oceanside Pier has a long history of destruction and rebuilding. It was first erected in 1888 but was destroyed by storms in 1890 and again in 1902. The current version of the pier was built in 1987 and has served as a cherished landmark for the city of Oceanside.

Key Takeaways

• A massive fire broke out on Oceanside Pier in San Diego, causing significant damage.
• Firefighters from multiple agencies battled the blaze for over an hour, no injuries were reported.
• Oceanside Pier is a historic landmark and popular tourist attraction, recently upgraded.
• City committed to rebuilding the pier, which has been damaged by fires and storms.
• Pier has a long history of destruction and rebuilding, current version constructed in 1987.