The fire started in the Redwood Road area and raced through to Sequoia Park (Joaquin Miller Park) and down Dimond Canyon and also spread some into Shepard Canyon.
The fire, which began around 7 am on November 13, 1933, swept through the East Oakland Hills, burning a man to death, injuring two others, and destroying at least a dozen homes. It was under control by 2 pm.
The municipal zoo in Sequoia Park (now Joaquin Miller Park) was surrounded by a ring of flames as the fire approached the animal cages. The zookeeper’s we preparing to shoot the animals, the fire stopped just 100 yards from the cages.
‘The Abbey’ is Spared
The flames spread through the homestead of the late Joaquin Miller and destroyed the home of Miller’s late mother, which was occupied his widow, who was 83. Many of her treasures were lost, but she escaped. The historic Abbey was saved!
Shift in Wind
AT 9:20 am, the fire was fast approaching the Sequoia Riding Club at 2923 Mountain Blvd. The stable grooms led the frightened horses through the smoke to safety. A shift in wind saves the stables.
- Mrs. Abbie L. Miller widow of Joaquin Miller with her niece
- Carmela Ward and a couple of the 60 horses she rescued.
- Juanita Miller helping fight the fire
- Removing the body of Wm J. La Marr who burned to death
- All the was left of one hillside home
- Schoolboys who went class to fight the flames along Mountain Blvd
List of Homes
More on the Fire
- Fighting the East Oakland Fire – Oakland Tribune Nov 13, 1933
- When a Bush Fire Swept Over Oakland Hills – Oakland Tribune Nov 13, 1933
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