Ghost Ship warehouse fire facts for kids
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| Date | December 2, 2016 |
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| Time | 11:20 p.m. (PST) |
| Venue | Ghost Ship |
| Location | 1305 31st Avenue Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Type | Fire |
| Cause | Unknown, possibly electrical failure |
| Deaths | 36 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 2 |
| Accused | Derick Almena, Max Harris |
| Charges | 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter |
| Trial | April 30, 2019 – July 31, 2019 |
| Verdict | Almena – guilty Harris – acquitted |
The Ghost Ship warehouse fire was a very sad event that happened in Oakland, California. It took place on December 2, 2016, at night. A building called the Ghost Ship caught fire. This building was a former warehouse that had been turned into a place where artists lived and worked. It was also used for events, even though it wasn't allowed for that.
At the time of the fire, a concert was happening inside. Many people were there to enjoy the music. Sadly, 36 people died in the fire. This made it the deadliest fire in the history of Oakland. It was also one of the worst building fires in the United States in many years.
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What Happened at the Ghost Ship?
The Ghost Ship was a large building in the Fruitvale area of Oakland. It was originally a warehouse, meant for storing goods. Over time, it became a home and workplace for many artists. They created a unique space with art and living areas.
The Building and Its Purpose
The building was known as an "artist collective." This means a group of artists shared the space. They used it to live, create art, and sometimes host events. However, the building was only approved for industrial use. This means it was not legally set up for people to live there or for concerts.
The inside of the Ghost Ship was filled with many objects. There were wooden structures, art pieces, and other materials. This made the space very crowded and complex. It also made it harder for people to get out quickly in an emergency.
The Fire and Its Impact
The fire started around 11:20 p.m. on December 2, 2016. It spread very quickly through the warehouse. There were between 80 and 100 people at the concert that night. Many of them were trapped inside.
Firefighters arrived quickly to battle the blaze. It was a very difficult fire to fight because of the building's structure. The fire caused a lot of damage. It was a terrible tragedy for the community.
The fire was the deadliest building fire in the United States since 2003. It was also the worst in California since the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The event deeply affected the city of Oakland.
What Happened After the Fire?
After the fire, officials started a big investigation. They wanted to find out what caused the fire. They also wanted to understand why so many people died. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it might have been an electrical problem.
Investigations and Lawsuits
The authorities looked into how the building was used. They checked if safety rules were followed. There were legal processes to find out who was responsible. People who managed the Ghost Ship were part of these investigations.
Families of the victims also filed lawsuits. These lawsuits were against different groups. They sought to get help for the victims and their families. In 2020, the City of Oakland agreed to pay money to the victims' families. This was to help them after the terrible event. A power company also settled a lawsuit with some of the victims.
The Ghost Ship fire was a very sad event. It reminded everyone about the importance of building safety. It also showed how important it is for places to be used legally. The community of Oakland came together to support each other after this tragedy.
See also
In Spanish: Incendio del almacén Ghost Ship de Oakland para niños
