Crews Battle Winds in Effort to Contain Oakland Brush Fire
Fire crews continue to battle strong winds as they work to extinguish a brush fire that erupted in Oakland on Friday afternoon, burning two homes and forcing the evacuation of 500 residents before it was contained. The firefighting efforts will persist through Saturday evening and into Sunday morning, according to Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington, who provided an update on the situation Saturday afternoon. More than 100 firefighters were needed to halt the fire’s spread.
Initial Response and Wind Challenges
The first reports of the fire came in around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, alerting crews to a blaze in front of a home in the Oakland Hills. As firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire quickly escalated due to shifting winds. Winds varied from calm breezes to powerful gusts of up to 40 mph (64 kph), creating dangerous red-flag conditions that fueled the inferno.
Impact and Evacuations
The fire destroyed two homes and damaged several others, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The westbound lanes of Interstate 580 were also shut down but were reopened by Friday night. While some evacuation orders have been lifted, Fire Chief Covington warned that many residents may not be able to return to their homes until the fire is fully “stabilized and under control.”
Tree Removal and Fire Risk Management
Crews are also working to remove eucalyptus trees in the area, which pose a significant fire risk due to their flammable bark and oils. The removal is part of the ongoing efforts to prevent further damage to homes.
Statewide Red-Flag Warnings
Authorities issued red-flag warnings for fire danger across much of California, including the Bay Area and as far north as Shasta County near the Oregon border. The fire risk was heightened by a “diablo wind” — a hot, dry wind notorious for increasing wildfire risk during the fall season. These strong winds are expected to persist through part of the weekend, increasing the challenge for firefighters.
Power Shutoffs and Ongoing Concerns
To mitigate fire risk, a California utility company preemptively shut off power in 19 counties in northern and central California as the diablo winds increased the likelihood of new wildfires. The cause of the Oakland fire is still under investigation.
A Grim Anniversary
The Oakland Hills fire occurred just one day before the October 19 anniversary of the devastating 1991 fire that destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and claimed 25 lives. Diablo winds, which significantly contributed to the intensity of that historic fire, are again a concern. These winds, named after the Spanish word for “devil,” bring extremely dry air from the interior toward the coast, making vegetation highly flammable.
As firefighters continue their efforts, the winds remain unpredictable, with gusts that come and go. Fire Chief Covington emphasized that their goal is to prevent any potential rekindling of the fire as the strong winds persist through the weekend.
