A massive fire swept through a warehouse in Oakland Friday afternoon, spreading to at least one other building and vehicles on the street.  

The Oakland Fire Department said the fire was at four alarms as of 5 p.m. A large column of smoke billowed over the Melrose neighborhood of East Oakland, east of Interstate Highway 880 and west of San Leandro Street.

Some 75 firefighters were battling the fire at 5309 E. 8th Avenue, which is registered to a company called H&Q Furniture LLC. Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said the site was challenging as it was bordered by both commercial and residential buildings, along with multiple vehicles on the street.

"This easily could have been, you know, a two- or three-block fire if the crews really hadn't put a lot of pressure on the fire initially," said Covington.

Battalion Chief Porya Jeddi said an initial report from an Oakland police officer on the scene indicated there was a marijuana growing operation inside the facility after speaking with a woman who emerged from the burning building.

There was no immediate confirmation on what caused the fire or if there were any more people inside the building.

"It appeared that the female that was outside with OPD was inside, and they noted that the grow operation caused the fire," said Jeddi. "That's the initial reports I got, it hasn't been confirmed."

The fire, next to the railroad tracks, spread to an adjacent building and also burned at least three recreational vehicles parked on the street in front of the building.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement Friday evening that no injuries were reported and the fire is under control. 

This is a breaking news update. More information to be added as available.