OAKLAND – A three-alarm fire that gutted a popular Oakland bookstore late last month appears to have been “accidental in nature,” authorities said.
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The exact cause of the blaze at East Bay Booksellers, located at 5433 College Ave., has not been determined, said Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt.
Investigators found the area of origin, Hunt said, but a collapse hazard prevented an excavation.
“While the exact heat and ignition source is undetermined, the investigation indicated that the fire was accidental in nature,” he said.
The fire broke out around 5:25 a.m. on July 30. The bookstore was left a total loss and five people at an adjacent residence were displaced.
East Bay Booksellers took over the site from Diesel, A Bookstore in 2017 and has been a popular destination for book lovers, earning many positive reviews from customers.
