ATF agents investigate massive Valdez Street fire in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Federal investigators released footage of a suspected arsonist Monday as ATF agents arrived on scene of the Valdez Street fire.
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It destroyed the mix-use development on Oakland's Valdez Street Friday morning.
A man is seen on surveillance video putting on a hood and gloves in the moments before a large apartment development was set on fire. The suspected arsonist is shown scaling the building's scaffolding along San Pablo Avenue on the Oakland-Emeryville border.
That fire destroyed the construction project on May 13. It had burned once before in July of last year.
"These buildings don't go up by themselves," said Oakland resident Tarik Kazaleh, who like many neighbors believes Friday's fire at Valdez Street is suspicious.
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Twenty-two agents with the ATF arrived at the scene Monday morning to investigate.
The developer, Wood Partners, says they're helping.
"We obviously can't speculate, but we are working with local authorities, local investigators, and the national ATF team that flew in today," said Wood Partners spokesperson Marissa Curry.
Private security teams guarded the Alta Waverly Project and previous fire locations.
Agents combed the neighborhood Monday looking for additional video. Meanwhile, PG&E restored power to surrounding homes, but a building on Waverly has been red tagged.
The developer and Red Cross have housed displaced residents in hotels.
Wood Partners, released a statement on the fire: Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Oakland Fire Department, the Oakland Police Department, the Alameda County Fire, Berkeley Fire Department, Albany Fire Department, and Alameda Fire Department the fire at Alta Waverly has been contained," said Brian Hansen, Development Director for Wood Partners' West Region. "Their rapid and heroic response ensured no injuries were sustained and that nearby buildings were safely evacuated.
Our deepest concern goes out to those impacted by this unfortunate event. We are grateful that no injuries were sustained and we are working closely with local fire officials and investigators to identify the cause of the fire.
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Click here to learn more about the developers of the San Pablo complex.
Click here to learn more about the Alta Waverly construction project.
