The blaze was reported just after 5 a.m. in the 300 block of Lester Avenue, a Fire Department dispatcher said.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that a massive three-alarm fire early Monday has gutted a building under construction in Oakland's pricey Lake Merritt district, the city's Fire Department reported.

The blaze was reported just after 5 a.m. in the 300 block of Lester Avenue, a Fire Department dispatcher said.

The flames could be seen for miles, KTVU reported. Firefighters ordered nearby buildings evacuated, the station reported. The building had 40 apartment units and was just months away from opening, KTVU reported.

The Lake Merritt district has seen a boom in development and housing prices since rent increases in San Francisco sent residents east looking for more affordable housing.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

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