Feds say arson caused fire at West Oakland BART

Federal investigators announced Thursday that arson was the cause of the June 14 fire at the Red Star Senior Apartment that shut down BART for nearly a day.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said there was enough physical evidence to make that determination, but wouldn’t release details as the investigation is ongoing.

“Although the fire scene is wrapping up, there is still a lot of investigative work to be done on this senseless act of violence,” said Jeffery Vind, acting ATF special agent in charge of the San Francisco Field Division. “We are committed to working this investigation with our fire and law enforcement partners to ensure the public’s safety while trying to determine who is responsible for setting the fire.”

The ATF National Response Team responded to the scene to work alongside local fire and police investigators.

The fire broke out the apartment, which was under construction, near the West Oakland BART station and caused $25 million in damages.

BART tracks were damaged in the fire and service was closed June 14 at the Transbay Tube, causing a traffic nightmare for thousands of Bay Area commuters.