Fire Burns 15 Acres In Ritzy Oakland Hills

A fire roared up a canyon toward ridgetop homes in the exclusive Oakland Hills and burned up to 15 acres Tuesday before firefighters apparently brought it under control.

The fire broke out about seven miles south of the area where a 1991 fire destroyed 2,900 houses, killed 25 people and left the upscale neighborhoods overlooking San Francisco Bay on edge. Residents of two streets near the fire were evacuated.

“I talked to a few of my friends in the neighborhood, and they had their kids in the car,” said Mona Lalchandani. “The neighbors said that if it jumped the canyon, we should be ready to leave.”

More than 80 firefighters and 21 engines rushed to the six-alarm fire, which spread over 15 acres, said Fire Capt. Don Parker. The state Forestry Department dispatched a helicopter with a 180-gallon bucket to douse the flames.