Oside Pier debris removal begins

Crews are removing debris from April’s fire as work is expected to continue through the end of the year; city officials estimate it will be 3 years before the pier is fully repaired

Construction crews have begun removing debris from the Oceanside Pier after a fire destroyed two structures on April 25. Steve Puterski photo

OCEANSIDE — Debris removal is underway for the iconic pier.

Construction crews began the delicate process of removing the charred remains of the hammerhead, Ruby’s restaurant and the Brine Box. Those businesses and the hammerhead fell victim to a massive fire on April 25.

The Oceanside Fire Department’s preliminary investigation did not reveal any suspicious cause for the blaze, although the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has taken over the investigation, city officials reported weeks ago.

The pier has been partially open since about two weeks after the fire, although the hammerhead is closed. Brian Thomas, the city’s engineer, held a press conference on Oct. 21 said the debris removal will go through the end of the year, while the complete repair of the pier and full reopening of the pier could take as long as three years.

Crews are working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, although weekend work may happen depending on the circumstances, Thomas said.