Remembering the Oakland Fires: Call for photos, stories, memories

Susan Mernit Tue, 18 Oct at 12:28am
Oc. 21, 1991, a firestorm swept out of the Oakland Hills to become the most destructive urban conflagration in U. S. history.

Oc. 21, 1991, a firestorm swept out of the Oakland Hills to become the most destructive urban conflagration in U. S. history.

Almost 20 years ago, Oakland had one of the worst urban fires in the country.

It was Oct. 20, 1991, when winds gusting up to 65 mph, fanning a wildfire in the Berkeley hills that soon consumed ,600 acres in the Oakland/Berkeley hills. The fire killed 25 people, injured 150 and destroyed more than 3,000 home.
As many as 400 engine companies, 1,500 personnel and 250 agencies worked to put out the fire, which raged for two days. The economic loss was estimated at $1.5 billion.
So here we are, 20 years later. Oakland - and its surrounding cities - are commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Oakland Firestorm with events, a look back and tools to make sure we're all prepared when the next fire hits.
In partnership with KQED, Oakland Local would like to hear from local residents with photos, stories and whatever they would like to share. Please send your materials to firestorm@oaklandlocal.com or tag #oakfire.

 

About Susan Mernit
Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner, her housemate, a rescue dog named Cazzie, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist who's found home in Oakland.