Relatives, neighbors and acquaintances have painted a chilling portrait of Derick Almena, the organizer of the illegal artist enclave where 36 died in a fire in Oakland, California on Friday. The 46-year-old leased and operated the warehouse, which was not up to code and not zoned for residential living. Michael Allison, the father of Almena's wife Micah, said he doesn't believe 'he is capable of feeling any kind of remorse or guilt'. Mr Allison revealed that the couple were drug users and that child protective services had taken their three children away for a period last year. The children were found hungry, infested with lice and ill-clothed, Mr Allison said. People who have been in the warehouse describe the place as a slum - without a kitchen and where residents showered with hoses. The pair was said to be part of an alternative scene in California that revolved around Burning Man and other festivals, music, a broad spirituality and drugs. No criminal charges have been filed yet in the deadly warehouse fire, but prosecutors say they could range from involuntary manslaughter to murder.

A hose to shower, their starving lice-infested kids fed by neighbors and a life of drugs and partying that revolved around Burning Man: The seedy underside of the Ghost Ship operator and his wife
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4003448/Deadly-warehouse-fire-Operator-accused-ignoring-safety.html