Oakland's historic Camron-Stanford House damaged by fire

No injuries reported as firefighters battle blaze at 19th-century Victorian mansion on Lake Merritt

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:25pm

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The Oakland Fire Department responded to a fire at the historic Camron-Stanford House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion located on the shores of Lake Merritt, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Nearly 30 firefighters were able to get the fire under control by 1:20 a.m., but the extent of the damage is still unknown. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Why it matters

The Camron-Stanford House is a beloved landmark in Oakland, as it is the last remaining 19th-century Victorian mansion that once lined the shores of Lake Merritt. It has served as the city's first public museum since 1907, making it an important part of Oakland's cultural heritage. Any damage to this historic structure is concerning for the local community.

The details

The fire broke out around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday at the Camron-Stanford House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland. The Oakland Fire Department responded with nearly 30 firefighters, who were able to get the fire under control by 1:20 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the extent of the damage to the historic structure is still unknown.

  • The fire broke out around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Firefighters had the fire under control by 1:20 a.m. on April 4, 2026.

The players

Camron-Stanford House

A 19th-century Victorian mansion located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, and the last remaining mansion of its kind in the area. It has served as Oakland's first public museum since 1907.

Oakland Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the fire at the Camron-Stanford House, with nearly 30 firefighters working to bring the blaze under control.

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What’s next

Investigators will continue to assess the extent of the damage to the Camron-Stanford House and determine the cause of the fire.

The takeaway

The fire at the historic Camron-Stanford House is a concerning incident for the Oakland community, as this 19th-century Victorian mansion is a beloved landmark and an important part of the city's cultural heritage. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but the quick response and efforts of the Oakland Fire Department helped prevent further harm to this historic structure.