Oceanside City Council declares local emergency after pier fire

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In an emergency meeting Wednesday, Oceanside City Council voted unanimously to declare a local emergency following the fire that erupted at the iconic Oceanside Pier.

City leaders discussed getting started on the repair process as soon as possible and say the federal and state funding is the fastest way to start.

Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez said that the funding will help with costs not covered by insurance.

The coastal city will now be able to apply and tap into federal and state dollars for repairs. The money could be used to reimburse costs for the emergency work done the day of the fire, and for the upcoming permanent work to repair damages.

As of Wednesday, the pier remained closed. Sanchez said they hope to reopen a majority of the pier soon, once they determine the portion that is safe for the public. Rebuilding the diner and the damages at the end of the pier could take several months.

“We need it. It's our attraction,” said Kathleen Parra, an Oceanside resident.

Parra said faster funding is appreciated so she can get back to her routine.

“Because that’s what we like to do. We are retired. We like to come down here and walk on the pier,” Parra added.

State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, among other legislators, are also pleading for funding for the Oceanside Pier. In a letter sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom, they ask for his support in restoring the pier.

The fire tore through the former but vacant Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier. Multiple agencies spent several days putting out the blaze and was able to save 93% of the pier, according to Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons.

Officials said the fire started from “accidental causes” and ruled out arson.

Oceanside resident Jonas Nuncio said he hopes for a speedy reopening of the iconic landmark.

“Anytime you have something that’s part of a community like that, that closes, it's sad. I think more than anything, you want to see it repaired and back open quickly,” said Jonas Nuncio, an Oceanside resident.

Officials say swimmers, surfers and boaters can used the water in the area must are advised to stay 100 feet from the pier.