4-Alarm Oakland Hills Fire Threatens 50+ Homes, Evacuations Ordered

4-Alarm Oakland Hills Fire Threatens 50+ Homes, Evacuations OrderedAs of 1:30pm, the fire had spread to more than 10 acres. | Photo: ABC7
Walter Thompson
Published on September 26, 2017

A fast-moving brush fire in an old rock quarry in Oakland Hills near 580 at Edwards Avenue is threatening more than 50 homes and has led to evacuations in the area.

Almost 20 acres are involved; no word yet on the cause, but Cal Fire spokesperson Pam Temmerand told Hoodline news partner ABC7 that four air tankers and four helicopters are dropping water and retardants to contain the blaze.

Homes that are uphill from the blaze have been evacuated; several exits along 580 have been closed to restrict access, and a shelter in place order has been issued for residents who are adjacent to the fire. Drivers are advised to use 880 as an alternate route; traffic delays are expected to continue into the afternoon.

Residents of Bayview Drive, Bohansen Road, Skyview Drive, Campus Drive, Ridgemont Drive and Viewcrest St. are being ordered to evacuate. As of 1:22pm, Merritt College is not evacuating, and its campus is accessible.

With dry winds blowing from the east, high temperatures and low humidity, "conditions are unfavorable," said Temmerand, who noted that the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning for the East Bay hills due to the elevated fire risk. "The grass has had all summer to dry out," she said.

OFD Deputy Chief Melinda Drayton said the fire is moving in a southerly direction, which threatens existing homes, as well as structures under construction.

Approximately 35 Cal Fire firefighters are on the scene, but it's not clear how many personnel from Oakland Fire Department have responded. Drivers in the area are urged to pull over to the right to permit first responders to pass.