The California Department of Transportation [Caltrans] says it will finally close down a notorious homeless camp along Wood Street in Oakland. The announcement comes days after a massive fire destroyed much of the encampment anyway.
Caltrans suddenly decided it was a “safety hazard” after a two alarm fire burned up RVs, cars, sheds, and tents last Monday. Firefighters fought the blaze for two hours. The Wood Street encampment is said to have consisted of as many as 200 people. Critics called it an open air drug and prostitution market. It has existed for years.
It was not even the first fire. Local media says there have been “over one hundreds” fire at the site. After the major fire last Monday, firefighters were back again on Saturday to put out another smaller fire!
A $4.7 million “cabin village” is being constructed in the area to shelter the homeless.
Here is a look at fire conditions upon arrival for our crews responding to this morning’s 2 Alarm Fire off Wood Street in West Oakland. The fire was contained within 2 hours and placed under control at 130pm. Strong work by the approximately 65 Firefighters on scene today. pic.twitter.com/FChCX0VfWX
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) July 11, 2022
2 alarm fire near 34th and Wood under the freeway. Multiple cars, debris, and RVs are burning. pic.twitter.com/rrzKUpFCKp
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) July 11, 2022
Drone video from last October:
