wildfires

Live Blog: Brush Fire Burns in San Mateo County

The latest updates on Northern California fires.

We'll be providing updates on fires in the Bay Area and Northern California here. You can view a Cal Fire map of current incidents here.

Here's a look at the latest updates:

Sunday, Oct. 4

A brush fire has been reported in the Sky Londa community of San Mateo along westbound Highway 84, west of Highway 35. Crews reported that the blaze has been contained to about one acre.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

The San Jose Fire Department responded to a call of a vegetation fire on Penitencia Creek Road in Santa Clara County Tuesday morning.

The fire is burning in parts of Alum Rock Park and San Jose.

Crews are above the canyon to battle the fire, and said no structures are threatend.

Monday, Sept. 21

Firefighters extinguished a 4-alarm vegetation fire that prompted evacuation orders in Belmont.

The flames were reported around 4 p.m. off East Laurel Creek Road and triggered evacuations on San Juan Canyon.

Residents who evacuated the area were cleared to return home at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire at Altamont Pass Road in unincorporated Livermore that grew to 50 acres, but crews were able to stop forward progress, officials said.

Monday, Sept. 7

Fire crews were closing in on full containment and seemed to stop forward progress on all three major wildfires burning in the Bay Area: As of Monday morning, the SCU Complex Fire was 93% contained; the LNU Complex Fire was 91% contained, and the CZU Complex Fire was 76% contained, according to Cal Fire.

A Red Flag Warning in effect starting today at 10 p.m. through Wednesday 8 a.m. has prompted the possibility of Public Safety Power Shutoffs in areas of Napa County. To read more about it, and plan ahead, click here.

In Marin County, Fairfax-Bolinas Rd is closed until Wednesday 8 a.m., which is the last day of Red Flag Warning. More details below:

National forests across the state will close starting today at 5 p.m. due to extreme, dangerous fire conditions. More details here.

Monday, Aug. 31

The California National Guard arrived to San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties to day to help with the containment of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Here are the details.

The Dolan Fire south of Big Sur in Monterey County has, as of Monday night, burned almost 29,550 acres of vegetation. The changing winds prompted mandatory evacuations Monday afternoon south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and west of South Coast Ridge to Prewitt Ridge including Alms Ridge, the California Interagency Incident Management Team reported. Details here.

Sunday, Aug. 30

Three main fires continue to burn across the Bay Area and parts of Northern California. However, temperatures may increase once again during the upcoming days and could make it harder for firefighters to control the dangerous blazes. Here are some details.

A Spare the Air alert has been extended through Tuesday in the Bay Area. What does that mean? Here's the breakdown.

Point Reyes National Park tweeted a video of a fire whirl caught on video at the scene of the Woodward Fire in Marin County. Here's what that looks like:

Saturday, Aug. 29

Napa County officials announced the opening of a local center to assist residents impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. The Napa County Local Assistance Center will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. More details here.

In Sonoma County, local assistance centers will open in Guerneville and Healdsburg. The centers will be located at the Bank of America on Main St and at the Healdsburg High School gym. Here's more.

Friday, Aug. 28

Containment lines continue to improve for the three major complex fires burning in the Bay Area. Here are the latest numbers:

  • LNU Lightning Complex Fire: 371,249 acres; 35% contained
  • SCU Lightning Complex Fire: 372,971 acres; 35% contained
  • CZU Lightning Complex Fire: 82,540 acres, 26% contained

Thursday, Aug. 27

Containment lines continue to improve for the three major complex fires burning in the Bay Area. Here are the latest numbers:

  • LNU Lightning Complex Fire: 368,868 acres; 33% contained
  • SCU Lightning Complex Fire: 368,671 acres; 35% contained
  • CZU Lightning Complex Fire: 81,333 acres, 21% contained

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Firefighters battling the three major complex fires in the Bay Area continue to make progress and improve containment lines. Here's a look at the latest numbers:

  • SCU Lightning Complex Fire: 365,772 acres; 25% contained
  • LNU Lightning Complex Fire: 357,046 acres; 33% contained
  • CZU Lightning Complex Fire: 80,137 acres, 19% contained

California opened up registration for federal assistance for survivors of wildfires in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties through Federal Emergency Management Agency. Here are the details.

Some residents in the North Bay were allowed to return home after several evacuation orders were lifted. Jean Elle reports from Healdsburg, where many residents who returned home are making sure firefighters know they are appreciated. View more here.

In the South Bay, a Santa Cruz school district is opening its campuses to let teachers and staff displaced by wildfires stay there as a shelter option. More from Robert Handa here.

Remember the dramatic video showing a rescue of two Marin County firefighters who were trapped in the Woodward Fire last week? Our LiLi Tan spoke with the deputy who came down from a helicopter to save the firefighters. Watch what he had to say here.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Here's a look at the latest numbers for the three major complex fires burning in the Bay Area:

  • SCU Lightning Complex Fire: 365,772 acres; 20% contained
  • LNU Lightning Complex Fire: 356,326 acres; 27% contained
  • CZU Lightning Complex Fire: 79,640, 19% contained

Although the Red Flag Warning in the Bay Area has been cancelled, its still important to be cautious and stay indoors when possible to avoid bad air quality:

In Santa Clara County, a Spare the Air alert is in effect through Wednesday, Aug. 26. There are some cooling centers in the area that can help you stay fresh:

Monday, Aug. 24

Cal Fire's late evening updates on the wildfires show the CZU Complex Fire has charred over 78,000 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties and was 13% contained.

The massive SCU Complex Fire has burned over 360,000 acres and is 15% contained, while the LNU Complex Fire -- one of the largest in state history -- has grown to nearly 352,000 acres and is 25% contained, according to Cal Fire.

A Vacaville man who did not evacuate the area when the LNU Complex fire came roaring through his neighborhood fought flames with his family and saved their homes. Jean Elle has the story here.

Our Pete Suratos brings you a story about an East Bay shelter doing its part to help out other animal shelters impacted by the wildfires. Check it out here.

Meanwhile, residents in the Santa Cruz Mountains town of Bonny Down are frustrated with Cal Fire's response to the blaze. Marianne Favro has the story here.

And a tough story to share on our end. Jodi Hernandez speaks to the man who lost his mother in a North Bay wildfire. Her report can be found here.

Several schools have decided to cancel classes, regardless of distance learning, due to evacuations across the Bay. Full list here.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Crews are mopping up after a grass fire at the old Concord Naval Weapons Station. The fire was knocked down around 10 p.m., the cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Fires continue to grow across the Bay Area, with two of them being some of the largest blazes recorded in California's history. The LNU Lightning Complex Fire is the second-largest recorded fire in history, while the SCU Lightning Complex Fire is the third-largest.

Fire officials held a press conference early Sunday morning and released details about looting in the area of the CZU Complex Fire in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. A suspect stole a firefighter's wallet from his truck and drained his bank account.

https://twitter.com/CALFIRECZU/status/1297553631659429888

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services tweeted a map reflecting all the ongoing fires across the state. Check it out.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect in the Bay Area through 5 p.m. Monday as thunderstorms and lightning approach the area. Here's what you need to know.

Due to the Red Flag Warning, the Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center is urging evacuees staying outdoors in tents to seek indoor shelter as soon as possible. Some shelters are offering meals and other health services. For more details, click here.

Saturday, Aug. 22

All forward progress has been stopped on three fires above the College of Marin Indian Valley campus. Multiple agencies are searching for a suspect who is believed to be armed and dangerous. The public is asked to avoid the area.

The CZU, LNU and SCU Complex Fires continue to grow across the Bay Area. Some evacuations have been lifted, while others have been added to the list. You can find full details here.

The Woodward Fire in Marin County has burned over 2,200 acres and evacuation warnings have been issued. Here's more.

Friday, Aug. 21

A new three-alarm vegetation fire that broke out in Vallejo on Colt Street near Lemon and Derr streets and threatened structures has been contained, fire officials said.

Multiple fires have been spotted around the Coyote Creek Golf Course in Morgan Hill. Cal Fire says they are assisting San Jose firefighters in responding to the incident, reported off Monterey Road and Coyote Creek Golf Drive. About 143 acres have burned with 50% containment. No evacuation orders have been issued, San Jose fire officials say.

In the East Bay, Contra Costa County firefighters are responding to a two-alarm structure fire in Antioch. At least three structures are involved in the blaze, firefighters say.

The blaze is reported in the 2100 block of Alpha Way.

For the latest information on the major wildfires burning across the Bay Area, check out the breakdown above.

Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo announced a hotel program aimed at helping fire evacuees. Details below.

Thursday, Aug. 20

The Solano County Sheriff's Office reports one fatality from the wildfires burning in the North Bay.

The man lived on Pleasants Valley Road, according to the sheriff.

The Woodward Fire in the Point Reyes National Seashore area of Marin County has burned at least 1,500 acres and is 0% contained, fire officials said Thursday. No structures have been damaged or destroyed, but 1,620 structures remain threatened.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Marin County officials said the Woodward Fire, which has burned 1,100 acres, remains at 0% containment. The fire was caused by lightning and was first reported Tuesday. No structures have been damaged.

The Woodward Fire has prompted evacuations warnings from Coast to Hwy 1 between Sir Francis Drake at Hwy 1 and Bolinas.

An evacuation center has been set up at West Marin School on 1150 Shoreline Hwy in Point Reyes.

Authorities in Solano County said early Wednesday morning evacuations were ordered for all of the English Hills area of Vacaville and all of the Solar Hills and Gibson Canyon Road areas as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire continued to spread out of Napa and Sonoma counties.

In Mendocino County, the Creek Fire has burned a total of 800 acres and is 40% contained. Evacuation orders are in place for the Northern boundary of Short Creek Rd and the intersection of Hwy 162 east of the Eel River. In addition, evacuation orders are also in place east of Short Creek Rd to East Lane to Hill Rd and to Mill Creek.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Seven large wildfires in Napa and Sonoma Counties have burned more than 32,000 acres since igniting Monday, according to Cal Fire. Latest updates here.

In Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, approximately 20 fires have scorched about 35,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. Details here.

At least five fires are burning in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, according to Cal Fire. Together, the fires have charred about 7,500 acres. Evacuation orders and warnings are in place. Details here.

Solano County authorities issued evacuation orders for residents in the following areas due to wildfire:

  • North of Gates Canyon Road to Quail Canyon Road
  • All of Pleasants Valley Road and connecting streets/roads

Monterey County authorities advise Cachagua residents to evacuate due to a vegetation fire in the area of east Carmel Valley Road and Cachagua Roads.

The fires are making for poor air quality across the Bay Area.

Monday, August 17

Two wildfires burning in rural Napa County have scorched more than 3,100 acres, according to Cal Fire. Details here.

Four fires burning on the border of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties near the Sunol Regional Wilderness and Calaveras Reservoir have scorched 1,775 acres and are 0% contained, Cal Fire said. Collectively, the fires are known as the Marsh Fire. Latest here.

The Fremont Fire and Police departments have issued an evacuation warning for residents from 9000 Mill Creek Rd to 196 Mill Creek Rd due to potential fire danger.

A mandatory evacuation order issued for all residents of Kilkare Canyon in Sunol was later revised to an evacuation warning, according to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. Firefighters were able to suppress the threat from a fire in the area.

Residents are advised to prepare by packing essential items.

In the Round Valley Area of eastern Contra Costa County, firefighters continue to battle the Deer Zone Fire, which is also four fires in one, according to Cal Fire. A total of 1,450 acres have burned, with 0% containment. Latest here.

Sunday, August 16

Firefighters are battling three brush fires in the area of Calaveras Road and Welch Creek Road in Sunol.

The fires, names Marsh Creek Complex Fire, have burned 850 acres and are 0% contained, firefighters said.

Mandatory evacuations have been set for 10 homes on Welch Creek Road.

CalFire firefighters are battling the Marsh Fire at the Calaveras Reservoir in Santa Clara County.

At around 1:20 p.m., the fire had burned 120 acres, but the acreage was later updated to 858.

Authorities believe the fire could've been caused by lightning from overnight storms.

No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been threatened.

Multiple brush fires are burning around the South Bay, according to the Santa Clara County Unit of Cal Fire.

As of 7:15 a.m., there's a fire burning in Oak Ridge Road in the Spring Valley area that authorities believe could have been caused by lightning.

In addition, a vegetation fire began burning at around 3 a.m. on Brush Road near highway 17 in Los Gatos, according to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

Approximately 20 residents were evacuated from their homes and no injuries were reported.

The Los Gatos Fire was contained at 6 a.m.

Saturday, August 15

Several streets are shut down in Milpitas while firefighters respond to a fire. Details below.

Crews also responded to a two-alarm brush fire in Vallejo.

The blaze is reported in area of Seahorse Drive, near Interstate 80.

No other information was immediately available.

In the South Bay, Interstate 280 in San Jose was shut down in both directions while firefighters responded to a blaze. Traffic was diverted off at Lawrence Expressway.

The fire was first reported at 3:49 p.m. CHP reported the freeway reopened shortly after 5 p.m.

The blaze was also in the area of where a power outage reported Friday night is impacting more than 4,500 PG&E customers. PG&E crews are still investigating the cause of the outage.

Crews in the late afternoon also responded to a car fire and vegetation fire on westbound Interstate 580 in Livermore.

The blaze is reported east of Flynn and Carrol roads. Heavy traffic is reported in the area and officials advise motorists to avoid the Altamont.

Friday, August 14

Southbound Highway 17 is closed near The Cats in Los Gatos following a car and brush fire, according to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

Sunday, August 9

Fire crews from multiple agencies are responding to a brush fire in the mountains of southeast San Jose at San Felipe Road and Metcalf Road. The blaze, dubbed the Metcalf Fire, is currently two acres.

A second fire is burning in the hills outside San Jose. The Uvas Fire is in the area of Little Uvas and Uvas roads in Santa Clara County and is currently six acres.

Cal Fire has reported that forward progress on the Metcalf Fire has been stopped.

Cal Fire has confirmed that the Uvas Fire is now at 15 acres. Air tankers have been requested to help battle the blaze.

A fire on San Rafael's Jake's Island is not threatening structures and is spreading slowly, but fire officials said it may look dramatic as night falls. The San Rafael Fire Department tweeted that normally a fire of this type would be quickly extinguished but engines have been unable to get close.

The Uvas Fire in Santa Clara County is now 13.6 acres and 80% contained, officials confirmed.

Friday, August 7

Firefighters are battling a brush fire that's consumed at least 3 acres in the area of Carquinez Scenic Dr. and Regional Shoreline Park in Crockett.

A brush fire dubbed the Ranch Fire charred at least 8 acres in Morgan Hill. The blaze burned in the area of Burnett Avenue and Vista de Lomas. Firefighters said forward progress of the fire was stopped just before 5 p.m.

Thursday, August 6

Firefighters were making progress in the fight against a brush fire that ignited in Sunol. The blaze has burned 57 acres and was 40% contained at last check, Cal Fire reported.

Monday, August 3

A three-alarm blaze has shut down streets in San Jose.

The residential fire is reported on the 800 block of South 12th Street. Firefighters urge residents to avoid the area.

Sunday, August 2

A fire in Livermore along westbound Highway 580 just before North Livermore sent smoke billowing across the the highway.

An encampment fire in Oakland at Seventh and Kirkham streets may impact BART service, officials said.

Saturday, August 1

A two-alarm brush fire threatened four homes in the Tara Hills area of San Pablo Saturday in the 2600 block of Rim Road. Crews responded around 8 p.m. Decks and fences burned but firefighters managed to protect all homes. The cause is currently under investigation. The fire is now in mop up.

Firefighters in the Livermore are battling a vegetation fire at Mendenhall and Del Valle roads.

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