A fast-moving fire fed by strong winds burned two homes and damaged several others in the city of Oakland, prompting the evacuation of approximately 500 residents. The fire quickly grew in the Oakland hills area, with winds ranging from calm breezes to 40 mph gusts. More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which had spread to 13 acres by the afternoon.
Authorities issued red flag warnings for fire danger in various parts of California, including the Bay Area and northern Shasta County, due to hot, dry gusts from the infamous “diablo wind.” A utility in the state shut off power in 19 counties to reduce the risk of wildfires. The cause of the fire in Oakland was not immediately known, and efforts to contain it were ongoing as smoke billowed over the city.
The fire near the 580 Freeway caused traffic jams as people tried to leave the area, with smoke spreading and flames jumping across the roadway. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from advancing after a few hours, with fewer than 10 homes sustaining damage and hundreds more being threatened. Some drivers became frustrated with the gridlock on the freeway and side streets, prompting them to exit through on-ramps or drive on the shoulder.
In another incident in Hacienda Heights hills in Los Angeles County, firefighters managed to halt the progress of a 5-acre blaze threatening nearby homes. Red flag warnings were also issued in Southern California, with Santa Ana winds increasing the fire risk in several areas. Power outages affected thousands of customers as the diablo wind brought dry and gusty conditions to the region.
The National Weather Service forecast sustained winds up to 35 mph with possible gusts reaching 65 mph in many areas. Around Lake Tahoe, light snowfall was reported, while wind sensors recorded speeds of up to 104 mph on mountain peaks. Freeze warnings were issued for parts of California where temperatures were expected to dip into the low 20s Fahrenheit. The diablo wind was expected to continue through the weekend, posing a continued threat of wildfires in the region.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire and extreme weather conditions, firefighters and emergency crews continued to work diligently to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas. Evacuation orders remained in place in some locations, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. As red flag warnings persisted across California, residents were urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of wildfires during the heightened fire danger period.
