The Oceanside Fire Department, working with federal authorities, continues to investigate the source of the April 25 fire that burned the west end of the city’s pier as leaders aim to reopen a portion of the structure to the public between Friday, May 10, and Memorial Day, according to an update from officials.
The Oceanside City Council approved a state of emergency declaration during a meeting on Wednesday, May 1, to launch efforts to fund the pier’s repairs.
The vacant Ruby’s Diner building and The Brine Box snack shack were destroyed in the fire, but 93% of the pier was saved, city officials reported in their May 2 update. At this point, investigators believe the fire was accidental.
“The fire’s area of origin was found to be the northwest corner at the end of the Pier,” the city’s update stated. “Preliminary investigations indicate an accidental cause. There is no evidence of an intentional or incendiary act.”
City officials expect a report of investigators’ findings sometime in the next few weeks.
As the city prepares to open about 80% of the pier, questions have come up about a series of engraved names that were carved into the pier in 1988, a year after the current pier was completed, in honor of the city’s centennial.
About 90% of the engravings survived the fire, according to the city.
“While our focus now is completing the fire investigation and restoring the Pier for public use, the boards with engraved names are a topic we’re evaluating,” city officials stated in their update. “Additionally, documentation of undamaged engraved names will soon be conducted for documentation and archival preservation.”
