Landlord and tenants voiced concerns over e-scooter chop shop in building that caught fire

"Tenants and the landlord of the downtown Oakland building that went up in flames Monday all say they tried to address safety issues at the property for years to no avail. The fire at 1770 Broadway displaced 53 residents and sent three to the hospital with smoke inhalation injuries. The city opened an emergency shelter in response, but it closes Saturday."

"One of the renters, Saron Hanson, recalled waking up Monday morning smelling smoke. No alarms were going off, he said, and even when they did in the past, he didn't always rouse himself because of frequent false alerts. But the smoke prompted him to "jump up" and run outside without grabbing anything. Hanson said he lost "everything," from his wallet and personal records to his DJ equipment, clothing, and $2 bill collection."

Fire at 1770 Broadway in downtown Oakland displaced 53 residents and sent three people to the hospital with smoke inhalation injuries. An emergency shelter opened but will close Saturday. Tenant Saron Hanson woke to the smell of smoke while alarms were silent or unreliable due to frequent false alerts. Hanson fled without belongings and reported losing his wallet, records, DJ equipment, clothing, and a $2 bill collection; he also suspects his unit was looted. Tenants will meet with city staff for housing and legal assistance and qualify for priority placement in affordable housing. The blaze remains under investigation; owner, manager, and residents suspect a scooter "chop shop" operating in the building for over two years, and a 2024 fire was linked to stolen scooters and tampered wiring.

Read at The Oaklandside