UPDATE: Evacuation lifted for some after wildfire burns two homes, threatens others in Oakland Hills

Some of the more than 500 residents who were evacuated from the Oakland Hills because of a fast moving wildfire Friday were allowed back in their homes Saturday morning.

The Oakland Fire Department remained on the scene Saturday as wind and warm temperatures threatened to reignite a blaze that started around 1:30 p.m. Friday, destroying two homes and burning 15 acres.

About 200 firefighters were on the scene Friday, with assistance from an Alameda County strike team and air cover from Cal Fire, Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said during a news briefing Saturday morning. “Without them, we’d be having a very different conversation,” he said.

Update 14) Chief Covington gave the following operational update to media on the status of the Keller Fire. (Part 1 is 2:05; part 2 is 1:32). Approximately 60 firefighters from #OFD, @EBRPD, @AlamedaCoFire, @srvfire and @CAL_FIRE are working throughout the hillside today. pic.twitter.com/pCEf8Zvr6J

— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) October 19, 2024

The Keller Fire, as it is being called because of its proximity to Keller Avenue, started 33 years almost to the day of the deadly Tunnel Fire, which swept through the Oakland Hills on Oct. 19 and 20, 1991. The Tunnel Fire burned 1,520 acres and destroyed more than 3,000 homes. Twenty-five people died, some while trying to escape flames that had crossed the highway and blocked exits. 

The conditions in 1991 and on Friday were very similar, Covington said, with a red flag warning for heavy winds and dry conditions. As in 1991, flames jumped from the freeway to homes and into the eucalyptus trees. But this time, Covington said, the Fire Department was more prepared and immediately had assistance from Cal Fire and nearby departments.

“We had a little bit more preparation because we’ve learned from those fires that we’ve had  throughout the last several years as well as the 1991 fire, of the level of preparation that’s required,” he said.  

The blaze reached five alarms before firefighters could stop its progress around 4 p.m. Friday. Overnight, the Fire Department posted on social media that crews would be “working aggressively to fully extinguish this fire for the next 24 hrs or more,” as homes on Maynard Avenue, Sanford Street, Greenridge Drive and Canyon Oaks remained in danger. By Saturday afternoon, Cal fire reported it 50% contained, and most residents had returned home, though those at the high point along Campus Drive would remain evacuated until the wind died down.

No injuries have been reported.

Update 6) Forward Progress has been STOPPED for this 5th Alarm Fire. With multiple agencies from several counties assisting, the fast moving fire reached 13 acres. As of now, less than 10 structures impacted by fire activity. https://t.co/uxdyIlyN8J pic.twitter.com/c30mRN0msf

— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) October 18, 2024

Friday’s fire started in vegetation off of Interstate 580, the Oakland Fire Depatment said. Gusty winds quickly swept it to from the side of the freeway into yards on Maynard Avenue and Mountain Boulevard. From there, it climbed the heavily wooded hillside.

Karan Barnier, who lives in Caballo Hills, about two miles from Keller Avenue, said many of his neighbors left voluntarily, as police came through the area recommending that residents evacuate. “Some stayed to see how it goes,” said Barnier, who was among those who remained at home.

The situation was scary, Barnier said, with fire trucks whizzing by as well as dozens of police cars, while helicopters hovered overhead.

He said he saw flames leaping into the sky, then watched as helicopters repeatedly doused the fire. “We can still see the smoke,” he said late Friday afternoon. “It’s been a few hours now that there are just helicopters circling around, just like spreading water on it.”

On the social media platform X, Oakland residents expressed shock, concern and gratitude. “Thank you! Fantastic job. OFD firefighters are heroes to the Oakland community,” wrote one. “My heart breaks for residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed,” wrote another.

Mayor Sheng Thao said the Red Cross was assisting affected residents. She thanked firefighters and urged all Oakland residents to develop a fire escape plan.

The East Bay was n a red flag warning for wildfires From Thursday to Saturday nights, with winds whipping at 25 to 30 mph. 

In its alert, the National Weather Service said prolonged offshore wind had dried grass, trees, leaves and other vegetation that fuels fires. In addition, the humidity had dropped into the single digits, bringing near perfect conditions for fires.

Cal Fire increased staff in its Northern California units, bringing in crews and additional equipment from Southern California, said Robert Foxworthy, Cal Fire spokesperson. That gave the agency more resources to respond to any fire breakouts in the region.

On Friday, Cal Fire was battling four major fires throughout the state around 1 p.m., in San Bernardino, Tulare and Shasta counties. About 120,000 have burned in those blazes. By 2:30 p.m., two more fires were added to the list, in Alameda and Solano counties. And by Saturday night, the list had grown to 12.

Because of the conditions, the East Bay Regional Park District had a Level 2 fire alert, imposing restrictions such as no open fires or barbecues, no off-road driving and no use of gasoline-powered equipment outside of irrigated areas or designated campgrounds. The park recommended that hikers, campers and others using recreational areas first check the status of a park before setting out, as some areas may temporarily have closed.

Cal Fire recommends all California residents have an emergency supply kit in homes and vehicles. If fire reaches your area and you are forced to evacuate, Cal Fire recommends wearing long pants, long sleeves and heavy boots to protect against flying embers, as well as a cap, glasses and a face covering. Bring flammable items in the house, turn off propane tanks and move them, as well as barbecues, away from structures. Have ladders in place so firefighters have access to hour home. Shut all doors and windows, but them leave unlocked. Keep car windows up as well and back your car into the driveway to make it easier to get on the road if you have to.

(Top Photo: courtesy of Oakland Fire Department)

This story was updated Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday evening.

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‘This danger is one spark, one gust of wind, away.’ 30 years after tragic fire, Oakland better prepared but more at risk