Editorials

OAKLAND – The Oakland Fire Department reports that a large brush fire in the hilly Oak Knoll neighborhood was contained Tuesday afternoon after burning 10 to 15 acres. 

The fire just off Interstate Highway 580 began burning at 11:30 a.m., had threatened several homes in the area and even burned one home’s roof. 

According to Battalion Chief James Williams, more than 150 firefighters and a dozen aircraft were still working the blaze, which is concentrated in a grove of eucalyptus trees rich in oil content. Williams said oil from the leaves is producing a spectacular effect with large flames and heavy, black smoke. 

“The fire blows up quickly and then it dies down after consuming the fuel,” Williams said.