Firefighters in the San Francisco Bay Area made progress on Saturday in containing the Keller Fire in the Oakland Hills, which began on Friday afternoon and destroyed at least two homes. The fire burned about 15 acres and forced the evacuation of about 500 people. Part of Interstate 580 had to be closed temporarily near the scene of the fire but was later reopened. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for dry and windy conditions in the Bay Area and Central Coast of California, with winds reaching at least 25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. Pacific Gas and Electric turned off power for around 17,500 customers across 21 counties and three tribes to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires.
Earlier in the week, officials had warned of the Diablo winds in Northern California, while the Santa Ana winds were expected in Southern California. The Santa Ana winds, which blow hot, dry air from inland desert areas to the Pacific Coast, were in full swing and were expected to reach gusts of 25-40 mph in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Despite the red flag warning issued through Saturday afternoon in Southern California, officials said it was unlikely to be extended. These dry and gusty conditions across California raised the risk of wildfires in the state.
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