A fast-moving storage warehouse fire tore through a cluster of agricultural buildings in Livermore's wine country yesterday, destroying at least one structure and sending thick black smoke rolling across the valley. The plume was visible for miles as Cal Fire and local crews poured into the area, working to hold the flames away from nearby vineyards and equestrian property.
Where it happened and what burned
The blaze broke out on Tesla Road just east of Greenville Road, in a group of long agricultural storage-style warehouses situated just north of the Meadowlark Field airstrip and immediately south of Bodegas Aguirre, according to CBS San Francisco. Cal Fire estimated the burn area at roughly 3 to 5 acres and said one of the buildings was completely destroyed. Officials told the outlet that firefighters had stopped the fire's forward progress by 3:14 PM, with crews staying on scene to chase down hot spots.
Explosions and spread
Local television footage and on-scene reports showed the fire spreading to a second building and burning parts of adjacent vineyards. At least two large explosions were seen during the battle, according to KTVU. Video from the scene captured towering plumes of dark smoke as firefighters attacked the flames from multiple sides, working to keep the fire from reaching nearby winery operations and pastureland.
Why this rattles wine country
The incident adds to growing anxiety about the valley's vulnerability to wildfires. Earlier this month, a vegetation fire off Altamont Pass Road grew to nearly 70 acres before firefighters stopped its forward progress, underscoring the season's risk for the area, according to NBC Bay Area. Farmers and vintners in the Livermore corridor often rely on isolated storage yards and outbuildings, which can be difficult to defend when winds and dry fuels line up the wrong way.
Response and what comes next
Cal Fire and local departments remained on scene into the evening to mop up and check for lingering hot spots, and investigators had not immediately released a cause, CBS San Francisco reported. Officials did not immediately report any injuries.
