Two fires in the East Bay Monday had a lot of people nervous as flames raced through brush, closing in on homes.
A 2-acre fire burned along an empty hillside behind several homes along Outlook Avenue in Oakland.
Oakland fire crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly, but flames did reach the attic of a home. Fred Barcelo is the homeowner and said his typical lunchtime routine took a drastic turn.
“I was just finishing lunch, I look out the window, expect to see blue skies, and all I saw is brown,” he said. “Neighbors have been concerned about this hillside for a while.”
Barcelo said the weeds are out of control and ironically the property owner finally cut them Monday.
Oakland fire says the cause of the fire is under investigation, but confirmed that crews were clearing out brush on the hillside prior to the fire.
“That’s why it was such a fire, because the weeds had gone so high,” said Barcelo.
At the same time in Martinez, a fire had firefighters and neighbors scrambling.
The fire burned 3 acres before crews could put it out.
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Contra Costa County fire officials say this fire is also under investigation.
As for Barcelo, he’s relocating to a hotel due to water damage in his home.
Officials say this is the time of year to stay prepared when it comes to fire conditions.
