In December 1943, there were winds up to 75 MPH and many fires in the hills and the East Bay. There were at least 10 brush and grass fires reported all over Northern California.
The smell of burning eucalyptus hung over the city for hours
Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 19443
The fire in the Oakland hills started near Broadway Terrace and Skyline, in the area above the Broadway Tunnel (Caldecott Tunnel). There also was a fire on Snake Road.
The fire started just after midnight and burned for about 3 hours. The fire was most likely started by down wires knocked down by gale-force winds. There were over 30 fires reported all over Oakland.
Wind and Fires Wreck Havoc
- 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
More
- Gale Winds and Fire – Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 1943
- Fire Sweeps Wide Area – Oakland Tribune Dec 09, 1943