September 3, 2019 - A Bit of History

In December 1943, winds reached speeds of up to 75 mph, sparking numerous fires in the hills and the East Bay. There were at least 10 brush and grass fires reported all over Northern California.

The fire in the Oakland hills started near Broadway Terrace and Skyline, in the area above the Broadway Tunnel (Caldecott Tunnel). There was also a fire on Snake Road.

The smell of burning eucalyptus hung over the city for hours

Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 1943

The fire started just after midnight and burned for about 3 hours. The fire was most likely started by downed wires knocked down by gale-force winds.

The civilian defense police knocked on doors to tell the residents of Broadway Terrace, Upper Montclair, and Piedmont Pines to evacuate.

Half the city’s firefighting equipment was rushed to the Broadway Terrace area.

A total of 37 alarms were called between midnight and 8 a.m., and all off-duty firemen and police were ordered to stand by.

Few injuries were reported.

Wind and Fires Wreak Havoc

Oakland’s garbage disposal plant on Davis Street in San Leandro was destroyed.

Fire destroyed the garbage facility at the end of Davis Street
Fire on Mt. Diablo
50 Boats smashed in Monterey
Tilden Park Fire
1800 Acres burned in Concord
Napa County Swept by Fire

Gale Winds and Fire – Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 1943
Fire Sweeps Wide Area – Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 1943

On Saturday, October 15, 1960, a brush fire started in the area of Mountain Blvd and Burckhalter Avenue.

The fire bore a striking resemblance to the disastrous 1923 Berkeley fire, which swept from the hills, destroyed 600 buildings, and leaving 4000 homeless.

The fire started at 11am and was under control by 2:30 pm and officially out by 4pm.

More than 200 firemen from the Oakland and San Leandro fought the fire for over four hours with the help of the residents who lived in the area. At times the fire came within feet of homes and rained sparks on their roofs. The damage was held to the loss of two houses, brush and oak trees.

From noon until 2pm the battle was a see-saw affair

Oakland Tribune October 16, 1960

Weekend Warriors

For the residents, it was a battle to the death. They stood of roofs and garages pointing hoses with little pressure behind them at the walls of flame, which roared through the brush and oak trees.

In the hills above, Leona Street flames roared 50 feet into the air and came within that distance of homes. At one point, police advised people to advise the residents on Leona Street, Mountain Blvd, and Mountain View Avenue to evacuate.

Cause Unknown

The cause of the fire was unknown. It ranged over an estimated 1200 acres after it starts near Mountain Blvd and Burckhalter Avenue. It’s course along Mountain Blvd northwesterly to Bermuda Avenue and up the hill towards Skyline Blvd.

There were unconfirmed reports of two boys playing with matches in the quarry area just before the fire started.

At the time, the winds gusted 45 mile-per-hour, which spread the fire across Mountain Blvd. but quick work by firemen and homeowners stopped the fire from spreading in that direction.

More than 100 homes were endangered during the day. Most were in the $30,000 bracket.

The Homes

6384 Mountain Blvd – destroyed
6434 Mountain Blvd – destroyed

The home at 6434 Mountain Blvd belonged to William Crecque, and 6384 Mountain Blvd belonged to Charles Suggs.

Gale Whipped Flames – Oakland Tribune October 16, 1960
Hundreds Battle Huge Fire – Oakland Tribune October 16, 1960
Brush Fire Races Over Oakland Hills – Oakland Tribune October 16, 1960
2 Mile Fire Races over Oakland Hills – SF Examiner October 16, 1960
Homes Razed – SF Examiner October 16, 1960
Fire Ravages Oakland Hills – San Bernardino County October 16, 1960
History of Fires in the Oakland Hills – Oakland Net

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Day: September 3, 2019