The Latest: No inspection record of warehouse where 36 died

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Latest on developments in the Dec. 2 Oakland warehouse fire that killed 36 (all times local):

11:50 a.m.

Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed says there is no evidence the warehouse where 36 partygoers died was ever inspected because inspectors didn’t think it was an “active” business.

Deloach Reed said the department does not inspect buildings, only “businesses.”

Investigators say they still can’t pinpoint a specific cause of the deadliest structure fire in the nation in 13 years.

They focused their investigation on electrical appliances plugged into the rear of the building where the fire started.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said Tuesday it has finished collecting evidence. The Oakland Fire Department will prepare a final report to turn over to prosecutors.

The Alameda County district attorney has warned murder charges are possible as prosecutors determine whether crimes are linked to the blaze.

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11:15 a.m.

Investigators say they still can’t pinpoint a specific cause in the fire that killed 36 partygoers in an Oakland warehouse.

They focused their investigation on electrical appliances plugged into the rear of the building where the fire started.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said Tuesday it has finished collecting evidence. The Oakland Fire Department will prepare a final report for handover to prosecutors.

Prosecutors have warned murder charges are possible as they determine whether crimes are linked to the blaze.

The deadliest building fire in the U.S. in more than a decade erupted during a dance party Dec. 2. The warehouse had been converted into art studios and illegal living spaces. Former denizens said it was a death trap of piled wood, furniture and electrical cords with only two exits.

Building department inspectors had not gone into the warehouse since at least 1986.

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