A blaze erupted on the far west end of the Oceanside Pier on Thursday, April 25, 2024. A collaborative effort by Oceanside first responders and regional partners ensured there were no injuries, and 93 percent of the beloved Pier was successfully saved.  Sadly, two structures, a vacant restaurant, and a small to-go food shop, The Brine Box, were lost in the fire.  

Fire Investigation

On December 5, 2024, the City received the final redacted cause and origin report from the ATF relating to the Pier fire. The ATF determined the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical failure under the planks in the northwest quadrant of the pier head. Though a specific electrical failure could not be determined, all other competent ignition sources, including incendiary, in that area were eliminated by the ATF’s investigators.  For the full report, please make an ATF Records Request.

The Oceanside Pier is Open

The City reopened  roughly 90 percent of the Pier on Friday, May 10, 2024. The Pier is open from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.  Come out and take a stroll!  The opening extends to beyond the Bait Shop, the restrooms, and the fish-cleaning station at the last "offset."  The far west end of the Oceanside Pier will remain closed until reconstruction is complete.

Fire Debris Removal

A City contractor has removed the destroyed restaurant structures and deck planking at the far west end. The job was complete in February 2025, and the parking lot adjacent to the base of the Pier (Lot 29) was restriped and reopened. 

Next Steps: Obtaining Permits

Now that much of the debris is removed, engineers have been able to get a better look at the pilings below to test and analyze their condition. Now the process of obtaining the permits from various regulatory agencies has begun.

The restaurant lease holder will be rebuilding the restaurant structures using generally the same footprint as the former Ruby's Restaurant and Brine Box.  Both the Pier and the restaurant were insured.

Pier Fire Recovery has Governor's Support

On November 1, 2024, Governor Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in response to the City's request to the Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). This emergency proclamation enables the City of Oceanside to seek resources under the California Disaster Assistance Act, among other provisions, and may allow the City to recoup response and damage costs. 

Pier Railing Engraved Names

In 1988, the rail engravings were done as a fundraiser for the City's centennial celebration. About 95 percent of the names along the Pier railings were saved.  While our focus now is fully restoring the Pier for public use, the destroyed boards with engraved names will be replaced. Thankfully, the  archived records of all the engraved names and their locations were located by the City Clerk's Office.

Stay Informed

Regular updates and progress reports will keep residents informed along the way. For direct information and updates, please sign up for the monthly City newsletter, The Oceanside Tide.

A Community ‘Thank You’

The City of Oceanside extends gratitude to the numerous individuals and organizations whose support proved instrumental in mitigating the fire's impact. The City held a special recognition luncheon to thank our partners on June 26, 2024, at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater.