The last Victorian estate on Lake Merritt, Camron-Stanford House, was set to reopen its history museum and event venue after nearly two years of closure. Unfortunately the 150-year-old house suffered a devastating fire on April 4, 2026.

There is significant fire damage to the ground floor, kitchen, and other rooms in the house. The fire is under investigation and officials are assessing the extent of the damage and cost to repair.

The house is a national historic landmark and home of the first museum of Oakland. The house is owned by the City of Oakland. The Camron Stanford House Preservation Association has leased the house for 50 years until it closed in August 2024. The City and the Association are partnering to preserve and reopen the house, which will now include work to repair the damage caused by the fire.