At Least 2 Dozen Still Missing From Oakland Warehouse Inferno

OAKLAND (CBSLA.com) — Oakland's fire department says between 50 and 100 people were inside the horrific fire at a warehouse party that broke out late Friday night, killing at least nine people. They feared the death toll could rise as high as 40. The charred structure was unsafe for emergency crews to enter and investigators are still trying to figure out how it started.

CBSLA's Tom Wait reported from Oakland Saturday night that authorities are saying at least two dozen people are still missing.

From the air, it was a chilling scene Saturday afternoon of the charred rubble. Throughout the day crews were working to figure out how many people didn't make it out alive. Officials say the illegally converted artists studio was a "labyrinth of little areas," that probably made it impossible for some partygoers to get out.

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Authorities said in a press conference Saturday night there were many areas in the building that were difficult for fire crews to get to, which may result in the discovery of more victims.

One man came looking for his brother who was in the building when the fire broke out.

"I don't understand what we're doing here," Dan Vega said "This is fruitless. I want to go over there. If my brother is in there I want to find him."

He says his brother's phone goes straight to voicemail.

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The fire broke out during an electronic music event at the warehouse known as "Ghostship" a home to about 18 artists. Authorities say it did not have permits to be a living space. Officials sent investigators to the site last month after complaints from neighbors.
The fire department says it was packed with furniture, mannequins and other items that likely fueled the flames.

"There's really been nothing like this for me personally in the art scene in the Bay Area," Charlie Berrett said.  "I can't think of a tragedy like this."

Authorities say the building's roof collapsed onto the second floor. Some areas caved into the bottom floor. Officials say it will be hard to reach the other bodies because of all the trash and debris.

Investigators are also looking into whether people inside were blocked from escaping. It's possible the only path out was a makeshift stairway made of wooden pallets.