A significant wildfire erupted in the Newark area, necessitating the response of multiple fire departments to contain it. According to the Mercury News, the fire consumed 34 acres on Tuesday evening around the intersection of Eureka Drive and Stevenson Boulevard.
Reportedly starting just before 4 p.m., Union Pacific had to halt train operations due to the proximity of the fire, which was rapidly spreading in the direction of the railroad tracks. Fanned by winds, the blaze posed a significant threat to the adjacent areas. While firefighters were battling the fire, trains were temporarily stopped, which was not atypical given the safety concerns associated with such incidents.
The Alameda County Fire Department sought help from nearby fire departments to quell the flames. The collaborative efforts included assistance from Hayward and Oakland's fire services, as reported on Alameda County Fire Department's social media. The fire's progress was eventually halted by 7 p.m., allowing train services to resume about an hour later.
Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) is battling a three-alarm wildland fire at Stevenson Blvd. and Eureka Drive on the Newark/Fremont border. The call came in around 4:00 pm. Crews called for mutual aid from Hayward and Oakland. Union Pacific halted trains due to the fire. pic.twitter.com/d3b7FiymTz
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) June 26, 2024
The fire presented several challenges to emergency personnel, including a combusted Pacific Gas & Electric Co. power pole and numerous trees that caught fire. According to spokesperson Cheryl Hurd, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from damaging commercial buildings and ensured that no injuries were reported amidst the flames that had to be fought.
