Massive Fire Damages Iconic Oceanside Pier, Buildings

OCEANSIDE, CA — A fire sparked Thursday on the Oceanside Pier, damaging the historic structure and buildings, and sending heavy smoke into the air over northern San Diego County.

The blaze sparked around 3 p.m. inside a building, formerly Ruby's Diner, on the end of the pier, according to the Oceanside Fire Department. The restaurant closed three years ago during the pandemic.

Flames damaged the pier and also spread to Brine Box, a smaller eatery adjacent to the former diner, city officials said.

There were no injuries.

"Everyone has been accounted for," Mayor Esther Sanchez said during a news conference. "Everyone is safe that was in and around that area, including any workers that were onsite."

• Update: Fire Continues To Smolder On Iconic Oceanside Pier

First responders arrived five minutes after the fire was reported, according to the department. Firefighters battled the blaze from the pier, as well as aboard firefighting boats and water-dropping helicopters.

Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Vista fire departments, as well as Cal Fire, SDG&E and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the firefight. The Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in San Diego, responded to the blaze. The crew helped fight the fire with pumps and hoses.

The California Office of Emergency Services, San Diego Lifeguards, San Diego Hazmat, San Diego Sheriff's Department and other agencies also assisted with response efforts.

"Both Cal Fire and SDG&E helicopters are working the fire from above, as well as Oceanside Fire and partners that have pulled lines down the pier," the city of Oceanside said in an update at 4:30 p.m. "There are still flames at the east end of the pier, but progress is being made."

Shortly before 6 p.m., Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons said crews had stopped forward progress of the fire. A total of 144 fire personnel, 30 lifeguards and 32 police officers were at the scene.

"We have made good progress on the pier fire," the department said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We will be working into the dark to complete extinguishment and to ensure that the fire does not rekindle. The fire has been contained to the end of the pier."

Sanchez said the city was committed to rebuilding the pier. She noted that she had been in contact with Congressman Mike Levin and Sen. Catherine Blakespear about funding to help rebuild the structure, which is known as the longest wooden pier on the West Coast.

"This pier is so very, very important to the citizens of Oceanside," Sanchez said. "It is iconic. It is Oceanside."

After the fire sparked, the city sent out an emergency alert urging people to avoid the area. Residents and visitors were asked to stay away from Pacific and The Strand, between Seagaze and Surfrider, until further notice.

"We remind citizens to remain away from the area," the city said on its website. "Protect yourself from smoke by staying indoors with closed windows and doors."

Cameras showed a large plume of black smoke coming from the end of the pier. North County Fire Protection District issued a smoke advisory and warned of possible impacts to the Bonsall and Fallbrook area.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Sanchez said this was the first time there had ever been a fire on the pier.

The Oceanside Pier spans 1,954 feet, according to Visit Oceanside. The original pier was constructed in 1888, but it was destroyed by rough seas in 1890. It was rebuilt in 1896 and destroyed again in 1902. The most recent version of the pier opened in 1987.