Fire in the East Bay Hills

On October 20, 1991, one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history roared through parts of Oakland and Berkeley, California, destorying about 2,450 houses and 440 apartment units, and resulting in at least 25 fatalities. A total of approximately 1,900 acres (3 square miles) was devastated. Most of the damage occurred within the first 5 hours, although the fire was not completely controlled for nearly four days. The Oakland hills fire is extremely significant, both in the immediate effect it had on the local community and for the lessons it holds for disasters in general — particularly for fires following earthquakes.

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