County Coroner Says All Victims in the Ghost Ship Fire Died of Smoke Inhalation

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, investigators now say all 36 people killed in the Oakland Ghost Ship fire died of smoke inhalation, not burns or other fire-related injuries. The Alameda County Coroner's Bureau confirmed the causes of death Friday, reports the Los Angeles Times. Full autopsies were conducted in December, although coroner's reports are still being finalized.

The San Francisco Chronicle deaths by smoke inhalation are the most common type of fire fatalities, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

"All it takes is a few breaths," said UC Davis Professor Kent Pinkerton, who reviewed autopsy materials from the Ghost Ship incident. "Breathing a combination of soot, carbon monoxide and extremely hot air will quickly lead a person to pass out and die," wrote the San Francisco Chronicle.

On December 2, a fire broke out during a performance in the warehouse space known as Ghost Ship. Guests and musicians–including Cherushii and Nackt–were ultimately trapped inside of the maze-like warehouse.

Last week, Assistant Oakland police chief David Downing issued a directing asking officers to report any illegal events or parties to their supervisors. The order was issued after news broke that police officers had previously and repeatedly visited the warehouse over the course of two years for at least 10 code enforcement complaints.