Oakland Hills fire containment advances; evacuees’ return coming soon

The fire that scorched 15 acres in the Oakland Hills is now 70% contained, according to Cal Fire’s latest update on Sunday morning.

From the initial 200 firefighters from the Oakland Fire Department and Cal Fire, about 50 remained on the scene to extinguish the remaining hot spots, officials said early Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the last evacuees — representing the residents of 43 homes — are expected to return home Sunday night.

“The goal is to have the remaining evacuated neighborhoods repopulated by tonight,” said Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt.

Youth from nearby Sequoyah Community Church brought cake and water for fire crews as they worked in the afternoon clearing trees and debris.

Around 500 residents were evacuated from Altura Place, Campus Drive, Crystal Ridge Court, and Rifle Lane.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

The fire erupted just one day before the 33rd anniversary of the devastating 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which killed 25 people, injured 150, and destroyed more than 3,400 homes.

Friday’s fire broke out amid a red flag warning for extreme fire danger across the Bay Area. The blaze began shortly before 1:30 p.m. Friday near Mountain Boulevard and Maynard Avenue, close to Interstate 580. About 15 acres and two homes burned before crews stopped forward progress on the fire about 3:30 p.m. Friday.

The red flag warning expired Saturday afternoon. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Canepa, no fire warnings are expected in the next couple of days, with onshore winds, mild temperatures, and slightly higher humidity improving conditions for extinguishing the remaining hot spots. Officials said, however, that critically dry conditions are expected to continue until early in the week.

Staff writer Sierra Lopez contributed to this report.

Originally Published: October 20, 2024 at 12:59 p.m.

Source: www.mercurynews.com