Oceanside honors first responders for efforts to save pier from April blaze NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

When flames began engulfing the Oceanside Pier on April 25, first responders from more than a dozen agencies and organizations leaped into action to save the structure, and Wednesday the city gave thanks to all who acted.

As a result of direct firefighting efforts and collaborative work between the Oceanside Fire Department and regional partners to keep the city running during the emergency response — which lasted more than 24 hours — crews were able to save roughly 93% of the iconic 1,950-foot-long wooden structure.

Emergency services personnel from agencies across the county battled the flames from atop the burning pier, aboard a pair of firefighting boats and with water-dropping helicopters as the blaze sent a towering plume of black smoke to the east. The U.S. Coast Guard sent in a cutter to aid in handling the emergency.

To thank the numerous individuals who responded, the city of Oceanside held a special recognition lunch Wednesday at the Pier Amphitheater.

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