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Ghost Ship Fire: $50,000 Reward Offered for New Leads

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ip-fire-50-000-reward-offered-for-new-leads.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 23:28 GMT by KGET Bakersfield
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

SACRAMENTO, CA - February 27, 2026 - Nearly a decade after the devastating fire at the "Ghost Ship" warehouse in Oakland's Fruitvale District claimed 36 lives, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a renewed public appeal for information, coupled with the release of previously unseen security footage and a substantial reward of up to $50,000. The move signals a significant development in a case marked by complex investigations, legal hurdles, and the enduring grief of families seeking accountability.

The December 2, 2016, fire rapidly consumed the illegally converted warehouse, which housed a collective of artists and performers. The building, notorious for its labyrinthine interior constructed from makeshift materials, became a deadly trap, hindering escape and contributing to the tragically high death toll. For years, the investigation has been plagued by challenges - determining the precise cause of the fire, identifying responsible parties, and navigating a web of legal proceedings.

Attorney General Bonta, speaking at a press conference this morning, emphasized the unwavering commitment of his office to achieving justice for the victims and their families. "The Ghost Ship fire remains a profound tragedy in California's history," Bonta stated. "The families of the 36 lives lost deserve justice and closure, and we remain dedicated to pursuing every possible avenue to hold those responsible accountable. We believe someone still has crucial information, and no detail is too small to share."

The newly released security camera footage, according to the Attorney General's Office, captures activity in and around the warehouse in the days and weeks leading up to the fire. While specific details of the footage were not disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation, officials indicated it may reveal previously unknown individuals or activities that could shed light on the fire's origin. The public release is a clear attempt to jog memories and encourage witnesses to come forward.

The initial investigation, conducted by local authorities and later taken over by the Attorney General's office, focused heavily on the warehouse's owner, Derick Almena, and his business partner, Max Harris. Both men were eventually charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter, but the case faced numerous setbacks. A jury deadlocked in 2017, and a second trial in 2019 also ended without a conviction on the manslaughter charges. However, Harris later pleaded guilty to 36 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter in a plea deal, receiving a sentence of 10 years probation.

The plea deal was met with fierce criticism from the families of the victims, who felt it was insufficient punishment given the scale of the tragedy. Many argued that the building's dangerous conditions and lack of safety measures - including a lack of fire suppression systems, inadequate exits, and the highly flammable construction materials - constituted gross negligence. The Attorney General's renewed push suggests a potential re-evaluation of the evidence and a possible pursuit of additional charges or civil actions.

Experts in fire safety and building codes have consistently pointed to the warehouse's illegal and unsafe conditions as the primary contributing factors to the fire's severity. The "Ghost Ship" operated outside of established regulations, creating a hazardous environment for its occupants. The tragedy sparked widespread debate about artist housing, affordable spaces, and the need for stricter enforcement of building safety standards, particularly in rapidly gentrifying cities like Oakland.

The $50,000 reward is intended to incentivize individuals with critical information to come forward. Attorney General Bonta's office is specifically seeking information related to the cause of the fire, the activities of individuals inside the warehouse leading up to the event, and any potential negligence or wrongdoing that contributed to the disaster.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Attorney General's Office at (800) 496-0800 or submit information anonymously through the dedicated online portal: [ https://oag.ca.gov/ ]. The Attorney General's office has assured the public that all tips will be thoroughly investigated. This renewed effort, a decade after the tragedy, underscores the enduring pursuit of justice and the unwavering commitment to honoring the memory of those lost in the Oakland Ghost Ship fire.