Fire in Abandoned Barracks May Have Been Started By Squatters

A fire that broke out in abandoned U.S. Navy barracks in Alameda on Sunday evening may have been sparked by squatters living there, Alameda fire officials said today. The fire was reported at the former Navy barracks in the 1000 block of West Midway Avenue on Alameda Point at 6:08 p.m., according to the fire department.

Firefighters found smoke coming from second floor windows of the large two-story building. The firefighters forced entry into the building and ran hose lines into the area. The fire was mostly contained to one room with some damage extending into the hallway.

There was smoke and heat damage in the surrounding area on the second floor, fire officials said. Firefighters found evidence there were squatters in the building and investigators are looking into the possibility the squatters started the fire, according to the fire department. No one was injured.

The barracks have been vacant since 1997 when the Alameda Naval Air Station closed.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Alameda Fire