Evacuations are underway due to a 4-alarm brush fire that has already affected at least 10 structures in the Oakland Hills area.
The fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, near the intersection of Mountain Boulevard and Keller Avenue, just over a mile from the Oakland Zoo. Fire officials report that the blaze has consumed approximately 10 acres.
Oakland Fire Department shared a video on X showing firefighters battling the flames at a home with a charred and smoldering front yard. According to officials, at least 80 firefighters are currently on the scene, and multiple aircraft from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have been deployed to drop fire retardant. State highway officials have also closed westbound lanes on Interstate 580 due to the ongoing fire.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones:
- OKL-E176
- OKL-E177
- OKL-E203
- OKL-E204
In addition, evacuation warnings are in effect for these zones:
- OKL-E179
- OKL-E178
Firefighters anticipate that more areas within the Oakland Hills neighborhood may need to be evacuated as the fire continues to spread, according to Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt. He noted that “hundreds of residents” are being evacuated, although an exact number was not provided.
An evacuation center has been established at Burckhalter Elementary School to assist those displaced by the fire. Smoke from the blaze has been visible from 2 to 3 miles away, and emergency vehicles have encountered significant traffic congestion as they respond to the scene, with some drivers exiting the freeway through on-ramps or driving on the shoulder to avoid gridlock.
The current conditions are exacerbated by “diablo winds,” which are common in the fall. These winds can lead to low humidity levels that dry out vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition. The National Weather Service has warned of sustained winds of up to 35 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 65 mph in mountainous regions, lasting through part of the weekend.
As a precaution, PG&E has stated that about 20,000 customers could experience temporary power outages in the coming days. The utility cautioned that the duration and extent of the outages will vary depending on local weather conditions, and not all customers will be affected for the same length of time.
This fire incident comes nearly 33 years after the tragic Oakland Hills firestorm. On October 19, 1991, the Tunnel Fire ravaged the Oakland Hills, claiming 25 lives and destroying nearly 3,500 homes.
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