Wildfire
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads through vegetation such as grass, brush, or trees. Wildfires can spread quickly and threaten lives, property, and air quality.
How This Affects Alameda County
In Alameda County, wildfires are often caused by human activity but can also result from lightning, dry conditions, and strong winds. Alameda County includes hillside communities, open spaces, grasslands, and wooded areas that are vulnerable to wildfires. Areas such as the Oakland and Berkeley Hills, Castro Valley, the San Leandro Hills, and the eastern hills of Fremont face higher risk due to steep terrain, dense vegetation, and limited access routes.
Dry conditions, year-round fire weather, and strong offshore winds can cause fires to spread rapidly
Wildfires may:
- Require evacuations with little notice
- Damage homes, infrastructure, and utilities
- Produce heavy smoke that impacts air quality across the San Francisco Bay Area
- Lead to post-fire hazards (i.e., erosion, debris flows, and flooding)
Note: Wildfires can be especially dangerous for older adults, people with access and functional needs, and children due to smoke exposure, rapid evacuations, and disruptions to care.
Wildfire Safety Tips
Before a Wildfire
- Sign up for AC Alert to receive emergency information
- Know your evacuation zone and plan multiple routes
- Pay attention to Red Flag Warnings and extreme fire weather
- Prepare a go-bag with essentials, medications, and important documents
- Plan for pets, livestock, and transportation needs
- Keep vehicles fueled and ready during fire weather
- Identify support needs for people with access and functional needs
Reduce Risk at Home (Home Hardening and Defensible Space):
- Clear roofs, gutters, and vents of leaves and debris
- Maintain defensible space by removing vegetation near structures
- Secure outdoor items that could ignite during windy conditions
- Use fire-resistant materials when possible
During a Wildfire
- Leave early if you feel unsafe. Do not wait for an order.
- Monitor alerts and follow instructions from local officials
- Be ready to leaveimmediatelyif conditions change
- Avoid smoke, fire areas, and closed roads
After a Wildfire
- Return only when officials issue an all clear
- Watch for downed power lines, damaged roads, and unstable trees
- Follow public health guidance related to smoke and ash
- Use caution when cleaning debris and damaged property
- Confirm medical devices and essential services are working before resuming normal activities
Wildfire Alert and Warning
Understanding alerts helps you take action early.
Evacuation Warning – Take Action: are issued when a potential threat exists. Prepare to leave. If you need extra time, leave now.
Evacuation Order – Leave Now: are issued when an immediate threat exists. This is a lawful order to evacuate. Do not delay; evacuate as quickly and safely as possible.
Note: Leaving early is especially important for individuals who need additional time, mobility assistance, or medical support.
If you cannot evacuate:
- Go indoors and stay away from windows
- Call 9-1-1 and provide your location
Alameda County Livestock Pass Program
The Alameda County Livestock Pass Program, managed by the Alameda County Department of Agriculture, supports commercial livestock owners during wildfire evacuations. The program provides pre-identified credentials that may allow limited access to restricted areas during an incident, when approved by Incident Command.
This access can help ranchers:
- Check on and care for livestock
- Coordinate with emergency responders
- Support evacuation or relocation efforts
Note: Participation requires advance registration and approval. The program does not guarantee access and is dependent on safety conditions during an incident.
Ranchers and agricultural operators are encouraged to:
- Identify relocation sites for animals
- Maintain updated records and identification for livestock
- Plan evacuation routes and transportation in advance
Wildfire Resources
Alameda County | Clean Air Facility Locations: Find clean air facilities open to the public during times of significantly poor air quality
Alameda County Fire Department | Emergency Preparedness: Local wildfire safety information and programs
CAL FIRE | Home Hardening: Provides residents with information on reducing wildfire risk to homes and improving ember resistance
CAL FIRE | Incident Map: Real-time wildfire incidents and updates across California
CAL FIRE | Wildfire Action Plan: Preparedness guidance, defensible space, and home hardening
Genasys Protect | Know Your Zone: Identify your evacuation zone and receive real-time updates
National Weather Service | Red Flag Warnings: Monitor fire weather conditions
Spare the Air: Air quality information during wildfire smoke events
Spare the Air | Sign Up for Alerts: Sign up for Spare the Air Alerts direct from Bay Area Air District