Bookstore in Oakland’s Rockridge Engulfed in Flames

On Tuesday morning, fire crews in Oakland battled a fire that broke out inside the East Bay Bookstore in the Rockridge neighborhood. The blaze went to three alarms before coming under control, according to fire officials.

Firefighters responded to the bookstore on College Avenue after a fire started around 5:25 a.m. Arriving crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the two-story building, which houses a number of offices for different companies.

The fire then expanded to the first floor, where the bookstore is located. Four units of an adjacent three-story apartment building were evacuated, and five tenants have been displaced. One occupant suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene and released. The American Red Cross is providing resources to the displaced residents.

One firefighter also suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the blaze. In a post to social media, East Bay Booksellers said the fire completely swept through the store.

“It breaks my heart to confirm it: the bookstore has completely burned in this morning’s fire,” the account said.

“The bookstore is a big part of the neighborhood,” said Sean Wilson, the building’s property manager. “It’s a big loss.”

Investigators are reviewing a “significant” amount of footage from security cameras in the area to determine the cause of the fire. There is no preliminary indication of arson or anything suspicious. College Avenue between Manila and Lawton avenues is closed to vehicle traffic as fire crews remain on scene.

The Oakland Fire Department said it is investigating the fire and that at least one engine company would remain on the scene Tuesday to mitigate potential hot spots.

The fire at East Bay Booksellers is a devastating loss for the community. The bookstore has been a beloved gathering place for readers and authors for many years. It is also a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses, especially during these challenging times.