OAKLAND (AP) — Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed says there is no evidence the warehouse where 36 partygoers died was ever inspected because inspectors didn’t think it was an “active” business.
Deloach Reed said the department does not inspect buildings, only “businesses.”
Investigators say they still can’t pinpoint a specific cause of the deadliest structure fire in the nation in 13 years.
They focused their investigation on electrical appliances plugged into the rear of the building where the fire started.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said Tuesday it has finished collecting evidence. The Oakland Fire Department will prepare a final report to turn over to prosecutors.
The Alameda County district attorney has warned murder charges are possible as prosecutors determine whether crimes are linked to the blaze.