Little Fire scorches hundreds of acres near Pleasanton, prompts evacuations
NBC Bay Area
7,288 views • 6 hours ago
Video Summary
A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Alameda County, California, near the Ruby Hill Golf Course, rapidly spreading to 700 acres within an hour. Mandatory evacuations were issued for nearby neighborhoods, including the Ruby Hill Country Club area, with residents being escorted out by the Alameda County Sheriff's Department. Firefighting efforts involve a mix of resources, including air tankers, helicopters making water drops, and ground crews with dozers, but access issues and wind-driven conditions are complicating containment efforts. The fire, characterized by dry grass and hilly terrain, is moving west towards the Calipri Preserve Golf Course.
Short Highlights
- A wildfire in Alameda County has reached 700 acres with 0% containment.
- Mandatory evacuations are in effect for areas near Ruby Hill Golf Course.
- Firefighting efforts include air drops and ground crews, but face access and wind challenges.
- The fire is spreading quickly due to dry conditions and wind.
Key Details
Fire Erupts Near Ruby Hill [00:00]
- A wildfire began around 3:00 PM in Alameda County, near Little Valley Road and Cedars Road.
- The fire started southeast of Calipri Golf Course and spread towards the Ruby Hill area.
- Mandatory evacuations were issued for the Ruby Hill Country Club area.
"That area is now under evacuation."
Rapid Spread and Evacuations [00:24]
- The fire grew to 700 acres in about an hour.
- Evacuation orders expanded north of the fire, near the Shadowcliff Regional Recreation area, Ruby Hill Golf Course, and off Vineyard Road.
- The West Gate neighborhood, off of 84, was also evacuated.
"So, those evacuation orders are in effect in the nearby areas expanding north of the fire short of the Shadowcliff Regional Wreck area."
Firefighting Challenges [01:04]
- CalFire Battalion Chief Raul Medina confirmed the fire was 700 acres with 0% containment.
- Limited access to the fire area is a significant challenge for ground crews and aircraft.
- Aircraft are making drops to slow the fire and allow for better access.
"Currenly, we're at 700 acres, 0% contained. We're having um limited access issues."
Resources Deployed [02:22]
- Firefighting resources include air tankers, helicopters making water drops, and helitack crews.
- Dozers are also being utilized on the ground.
- Mandatory evacuations mean residents must leave immediately.
"So at the point we point we have a mixture of resources working at it."
Evacuation Access Points [03:27]
- Two access points to Ruby Hill, the Vineyard entrance and the Westgate entrance (off 84), are being managed.
- Alameda County Sheriffs are present to escort people and provide information.
"Yeah. So, Alam Al Alama County Sheriffs are in that area and telling the escorting the people of where to go and giving information."
Contributing Factors [04:10]
- Conditions are extremely warm, near triple digits.
- Dry conditions, ashy fuels (grass), and wind are making the firefight difficult.
- The topography of the hills, especially in the Ruby Hill area near 84, contributes to the fire's spread.
"At the moment the dry conditions ashy fuels which is the grass. Um, and then it's wind driven."
Fire Movement and Future Evacuations [04:58]
- The fire appears to be moving west, towards the Calipri Preserve Golf Course.
- Based on current conditions, more evacuations are expected.
"The fire seems to be uh moving towards the west."
On-the-Ground Report [06:22]
- Residents were seen leaving the Ruby Hills area, with some being escorted.
- Air tankers were visible battling the fire from the air.
- The fire, which started near Little Valley Road and Hubard Lane, grew from 150 acres to 700 acres.
"Yeah, from where we're standing, we are seeing a number of cars uh beginning to leave or getting escorted uh from this area near Ruby Hills."
