Massive Christmas tree in Oakland’s Jack London Square set ablaze, believed to be arson

The 55-foot Christmas tree in Oakland’s Jack London Square was set on fire mere days before the city’s annual tree lighting.


At about 1:20 a.m. Monday, Oakland Fire spokesperson Michael Hunt told SFGATE, officials were alerted to a fire near Embarcadero and Water Street. A fire crew arrived in less than 2 minutes, Hunt said, as the nearest station is just 200 yards away.

“The close proximity of that firehouse to Jack London Square probably saved the Christmas tree from going up in flames,” Hunt said.

While an official assessment “of the full scale of the impact” is scheduled for later Monday, Hunt said that only 10% of the tree was damaged and that it will likely survive through the tree lighting.

“It felt like, structurally, the tree is going to make it and they're going to persevere on with the tree lighting with the existing tree,” Hunt said.

So... Mostly peaceful fire?

Must have been the Commies again. They hate Christmas.

=d>