Emotional Oakland City Councilmember speaks out about deadly fire

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo spoke to ACB7 News about the warehouse fire that left at least nine dead and possibly over 25 unaccounted for.

PHOTOS: At least 9 dead in Oakland warehouse fire

Gallo's emotion captured what a lot of people are feeling at this time. This is obviously something that's devastating every body in the area. "Absolutely, when I heard there were 17 year olds and 18 year olds that lost their life, took BART to get here and stood on the corner at 3 a.m., crying because they lost their friends," he said. "They went to the party because it was posted online. They were in the party, they ran down the stairs because of the smoke, and they stood their crying because their friends couldn't come with them," he said.

RELATED: Oakland fire helpline, information for families

Officials expect the death toll to rise inside a warehouse that caught on fire.

A Family Assistance Center has been set up at 2425 E. 12th St. where family and friends can go to find out information about loved ones.

People can also call the Alameda County coroner's bureau at (510) 382-3000 for more information.

Click here to donate and help the the families of the victims. The fund had raised about $50,000 out of its goal of $100,000 as of 4:30 p.m.

Click here to find out if people in the area are safe.

Click here to donate and help the the families of the victims.

Click here for full coverage on the Ghost Ship warehouse fire.