Oceanside Pier Fire: Videos Show Massive Smoke Plume In California

On Thursday afternoon, firefighters were dispatched to combat a fire located at the far extremity of Oceanside Pier. According to authorities, the fire was reported just after 3 p.m.

Two fireboats are on the scene, firing water cannons at the building at the end of the pier, and a big column of smoke has filled the sky.

On Thursday afternoon, firefighters responded to a blaze at the far end of the Oceanside Pier. The fire was reported shortly after 3 p.m., according to officials.

A thick cloud of smoke has taken hold of the sky and two fireboats are in full action, firing water cannons at the building at the end of the dock. One or maybe two extended fire hoses run the length of the pier, and a lone pickup truck, presumably a lifeguard vehicle, is positioned at the foot of the pier. There are also two additional cars at the further end of the pier that have their flashers on.

Although the smoke made it difficult to see, preliminary reports indicate that the fire could have started in the structure that had housed Ruby's Restaurant at the end of the pier. Smoke was seen billowing onshore the entire length of the structure as SkyRanger 7 approached from above.

"The Oceanside Fire Department is currently engaged in fighting a fire on the Oceanside Pier," OFD tweeted at 3:14 p.m. "We are asking all citizens to please stay away from the immediate area."

Remarkably, the city of Oceanside set aside $5.5 million last year to renovate the 1,954-foot-long pier's deteriorating electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Built in 1888, the ancient wooden pier has had two reconstructions because of weather-related disasters: in 1890 after extreme weather, and in 1902 after another one. The pier was constructed in its current form in 1987.