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Remembering The Ghost Ship Fire: California’s Most Fatal Building Fire Since 1906

On December 2, 2016, at approximately 11:20 p.m. PST, a fire broke out in a converted warehouse, and 36 people tragically died. The warehouse was known as the Ghost Ship. It was a place where people lived, created art, and hosted parties.

Fire Spreads Quickly

A warehouse converted into an artist collective with living spaces. It was only permitted for industrial purposes; entertainment and residential uses were illegal. Wooden pallets and doors were used to separate the many living spaces. There were pianos, wooden furniture, art, and mannequins that cluttered the space. The makeshift construction, and huge fuel load created by the furnishings, made it difficult to survive long enough to escape. Oakland Fire Department Chief Teresa Deloche-Reed told reporters, "It was like a maze almost."

On the night of December 2, 2016, the Ghost Ship warehouse was hosting a concert. Of the 100 or so people attending the concert, 36 were killed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Oakland Fire Department, and Alameda County issued a report stating that all victims died of smoke inhalation, the most common cause of fire fatalities.

The Ghost Ship fire was a grave tragedy. Various factors prevented the victims from escaping the building. But the lack of a fire alarm system was one of the more significant. As reported in 2019 by the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of lives lost in reported fires is 54% lower in homes with working smoke alarms, than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.

A New 2021 Fire Alarm Ordinance

Since the Ghost Ship fire, the San Francisco Fire Department has issued a new fire alarm ordinance. By July 1, 2021, any residential occupancy with sleeping areas is required to upgrade fire alarm systems to pass the "Pillow Test." Meaning, that fire alarm systems must be loud enough to wake sleeping residents.

Smoke can be deadly, and fires destroy. Luminous Fire Alarm a division of Aura Fire Safety is here to make it easy for you to meet new SF fire alarm ordinances. We will get your property fully protected and code-compliant. Give Luminous Fire Alarm a call today — 415.881.4402.

About Luminous Fire Alarm:

At Luminous Fire Alarm a division of Aura Fire Safety, we give you peace of mind. Our highly responsive and educated team can provide fire alarm installation, inspection, and monitoring services for both your commercial and residential spaces. Our expertise and rapid response go unmatched.

Media Contact
Company Name: Aura Fire Safety
Contact Person: Olga Aura
Email: Send Email
Phone: 415-881-4402
Address:1288 Columbus Avenue #177
City: San Francisco
State: California
Country: United States
Website: http://aurafiresafety.com


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