OAKLAND — Firefighters were battling a four-alarm fire Friday in the Oakland Hills that forced evacuations, fire officials said.
Oakland Fire spokesperson Michael Hunt said the fire had burned four structures in the area of Mountain Boulevard and Maynard Avenue, near Interstate 580.
The evacuations were in place for Campus Drive and Crystal Ridge Court, officials said. Rifle Lane and Altura Place also were included in the evacuations.
The California Highway Patrol closed on-ramps and exits to westbound I-580 at Keller Avenue. The eastbound direction of the freeway remained open. The closure remained in effect at 3 p.m., and it was unknown when they would open.
Officials first posted on social media about the fire at 1:32 p.m. and said it was at two alarms. It soon grew to three alarms and could rise to four, Hunt said.
Just after 2:30 p.m., officials said the crews had burned eight acres and had burned four to five structures. Several other homes were threatened, officials said.
1 of 5
Helicopters and airplanes with fire retardant got above the blaze about 2:30 p.m., according to officials.
About 80 firefighters were on the scene. Hunt said there were no immediate reports of injuries.
The fire occurred amid a red flag warning for severe fire conditions that enveloped the entire Bay Area.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Originally Published:
Source: www.mercurynews.com