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Warehouse Fire: Anxious Search For Friends And Loved Ones

OAKLAND (CBS SF / AP) -- The anxiety continue to mount for the family and friends of those who were believed to be missing in the wake of a 3-alarm fire that swept quickly through an Oakland warehouse filled with partygoers.

A steady team of friends and family members walked into the coroner's office in Oakland, hoping for some word about their loved ones.

CONTINUING COVERAGE: Deadly Oakland Warehouse Fire

At the fire scene, authorities said it appeared that either the partygoers were able to quickly escape the flames or they perished in the quick moving inferno.

"It appears that either you got out or you got trapped inside," said Alameda County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly.

Words that echoed in the ears and minds of those missing.

Only two people -- Samuel Maxwell and Tobi/Geyl Chase – were listed by authorities as being those listed as missing being found in local hospitals.

Fighting tears, Dan Vega stood outside the coroner's office. He said he was frustrated authorities hadn't been able to tell him anything about his 22-year-old brother.

"I just want to go over there. I have my work boots on, I'm ready to go," Dan Vega said.

"Just give me some gloves. I'll help out any way, shape or form, I don't care. This is infuriating. I don't know where my brother's at. I just want to find him."

Bob Mule survived the blaze. He emotionally spoke of struggling to find a working fire extinguisher.

"It was too hot, too much smoke, I had to get out of there," Mule, a photographer and artist who lives at the building and suffered minor burns, told the East Bay Times. "I literally felt my skin peeling and my lungs being suffocated by smoke. I couldn't get the fire extinguisher to work."

Terry Ewing says his girlfriend was at the party and is missing. He went to a sheriff's office building Saturday to await information.

He says he didn't know about the party and that he learned of the fire from friends who came to his house.

Meanwhile, Gov. Jerry Brown has issued a statement of condolences saying he and his wife, Anne, were saddened to hear about the deadly blaze.

"Our thoughts are with the entire city in this difficult time and we extend our condolences to the family and friends of those lost," he said.

Catholic Bishop Michael Barber of Oakland said prayers for the victims and their families will be offered this weekend.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with all those who have died or are suffering from the tragic fire of last evening in the Fruitvale neighborhood," he wrote. "We also pray for the first responders, medical personnel and others who are aiding the victims and their loved ones. We will be remembering the deceased in our Masses this weekend throughout the Diocese of Oakland. May their souls rest in peace."

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report

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