By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality has lifted the water contact closure for the Oceanside Pier area, following a massive fire that engulfed the iconic structure on Thursday.
County health officials confirmed that bacteria levels in the water now meet state health standards.
The City of Oceanside has reopened the beach and Strand from Surfrider to Tyson Street, except for a 500-yard zone directly around the Pier. Authorities have urged vessels, surfers, and swimmers to avoid this zone for safety reasons. The city plans to evaluate reducing this safety zone on Monday morning.
The fire, which destroyed the vacant Ruby’s Diner and The Brine Box food stand, also caused damage to the end of the Pier. However, thanks to the efforts of Oceanside firefighters and regional partners, 90 percent of the Pier was saved.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
