Fire, evacuations in Oakland Hills — East Bay under red flag warning

Oakland firefighters along with CalFire are battling a five-alarm blaze in the Oakland hills Friday afternoon, as gusty winds and dry conditions pose a serious threat of the fire spreading.

Firefighters had stopped the blaze’s progress around 4 p.m., according to social media posts from the Oakland Fire Department. But it had already burned 13 acres in the area of Mountain Boulevard an Maynard Avenue. The department reported four structures damaged and dozens of residents forced to leave their homes in the area near the fire and along Campus Drive and Crystal Ridge Court.

No injuries have been reported.

Mayor Sheng Thao told reporters on the scene that about 500 residents had evacuated.

The Keller fire, as it is being called because of its proximity to Keller Avenue, started 23 years almost to the day of the deadly Tunnel fire, which started in the Oakland Hills on Oct. 19, 1991 and lasted for two days. 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. 

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, after firefighters had managed to keep the fire from progressing. “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.

Firefighters from neighboring communities assisted the Oakland Fire Department, and a CalFire helicopter dropped water on the burning acres. Thao thanked firefighters and urged all Oakland residents to develop a fire escape plan.

The East Bay is in a red flag warning for wildfires until 5 p.m. Saturday, with winds whipping at 25 to 30 mph. 

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

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

On Friday, CalFire 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.

Because of the current conditions, the East Bay Regional Park District has a Level 2 fire alert, which imposes 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 recommends that hikers, campers and others using recreational areas first check the status of a park before setting out, as some areas may temporarily be closed.

CalFire recommends all California residents have an emergency supply kit in homes and vehicles. If fire reaches your area and you are forced to evacuate, CalFire 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)

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