Wildfire has engulfed several scenic hilltops and valleys in Sunol. The Alameda County Fire Department said the fire started in dry waist high brush at Welch Creek and Calaveras Road in Sunol around 3:52pm Friday July 26. It is unclear what started the fire.
Cal Fire named the blaze the Creek Fire. The inferno rapidly spread to Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. Firefighters endured steep terrain and flame fueled winds to make containment lines.
The Creek Fire raging in the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve ballooned in size Friday evening, growing from 350 acres to 577 acres in just 22 minutes. The fire was threatening commercial, residential and county structures in the area. Alameda County enacted evacuations Saturday afternoon.
The Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve has also been evacuated and remains closed until further notice. Per Cal Fire Sunday evening the blaze had burned approximately 734 acres and was 25% contained.
