Carlson Boulevard remains closed between Cutting Boulevard and Pullman Avenue for safety as the city awaits the demolition of a fire-ravaged storage facility.
During Monday’s Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council (RNCC) meeting, Fire Chief Aaron Osorio confirmed that Public Storage formally applied for a demolition permit on Jan. 7. The city is currently expediting the review process to address the structural remains of the facility at 398 Carlson Blvd., which was gutted by a massive three-alarm blaze at about midnight on Christmas Eve.
The fire, which drew mutual aid from El Cerrito and Contra Costa County crews, caused a total internal collapse. According to Osorio, the building’s concrete “tilt-up” walls are now bowing outward toward the street, creating a significant collapse hazard.
“Once that concrete wall on Carlson is down, then we can reopen the boulevard to traffic,” Osorio said. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience, but it’s for everybody’s safety right now.”
Osorio noted that the site remains too dangerous for fire investigators to enter and determine a precise cause.
No civilian injuries were reported in the fire, though one firefighter was treated for minor injuries at Kaiser Richmond.
Drivers are advised to continue using South 37th Street and other local detours.
