Early on Christmas Eve morning, a massive fire broke out at the Public Storage facility at 398 Carlson Boulevard. The fire started just before 12:30 a.m., during a heavy rainstorm with strong winds that helped the flames spread quickly through units and into the top floors. Fire crews arrived as flames were already burning on both floors, and after about 45 minutes, they had to fight the fire from the outside as large sections of the roof came down. One Richmond firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response.
The fire quickly escalated, prompting second and third alarms and bringing in extra help from the El Cerrito Fire Department and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. All eight Richmond fire companies were on the scene, working for more than 60 hours to put out deep-seated hotspots and keep watch over the site.
The front of the Public Storage building located on Carlson Blvd was completely destroyed due to the size of the fire and resulting collapse of the roof and second floor. Sadly, the items stored in this first building are assumed lost.
The other buildings in the complex were not affected, and customers should contact Public Storage directly to file claims or access unaffected units.
I am told that the cause of the fire may never be known due to the extremely unsafe conditions the collapse has caused; it is just not safe for anyone including fire inspectors to enter.
Carlson Blvd closed until demolition is complete
Because of the fire, a section of Carlson Boulevard, from Cutting Boulevard to Pullman Avenue, remains closed. The building walls are bulging toward the street and the potential for further collapse is high. Because the structure is on a hill the fear is that such a collapse could spill tons of concrete into all four lanes of traffic creating a potentially life threatening street safety issue.
Demolition of the destroyed building is tentatively scheduled for January 26, 2026, as long as the necessary permits are in place. Code enforcement and building inspectors will oversee the process until the site is safely cleared and Carlson Boulevard can reopen.
While the street remains closed, neighbors have been watching the recovery, traffic is being rerouted, and the presence of police, firefighters and inspectors shows just how serious this incident was.
History of Building Inspections
I am told that the facility had its most recent fire inspection in November 2025 and was found to be in compliance, with only minor issues. The building was originally constructed in 1976 and was mandated to meet the building code in effect at that time.
Huge thank you to Richmond Fire Department
I want to take a moment to thank our Richmond firefighters for their bravery and dedication. They rushed in during dangerous conditions and worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading further into the surrounding structures and community.
I also want to acknowledge everyone affected by this fire, especially those who lost personal belongings, family keepsakes, or the irreplaceable work of local artists stored in the building. I can only imagine how devastating this may be, and my heart goes out to all of you. This fire did not only destroy a building. It disrupted lives, routines, and memories.
Again, if you were affected or lost belongings, please contact Public Storage directly to begin the claims process, and I will continue sharing updates with the community as they become available.
CM Robinson