Fire Weather Watch Issued On Oakland Firestorm Anniversary
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- Monday, October 19 marks the 24th anniversary of the Oakland Firestorm and although many years have passed, memories are vivid for those affected by the tragedy.
The Oakland Firestorm begin with a small fire on a private property in the Oakland Hills. The exact cause remains debatable. The fire was extinguished, but the next day, due to strong offshore winds, smoldering ashes reignited and a fire grew into an inferno. 25 people were killed, 150 injured, and nearly 3,000 homes and 437 apartment and condominiums were destroyed.
On this anniversary of that tragic and historic fire, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the North Bay mountains beginning Monday night through Wednesday. The watch could be upgraded to a warning or it could be cancelled all together depending on the intensity of the winds.
KPIX 5 WeatherCenter: Current Conditions & Forecast
Over the next several days, dry offshore winds will be prevalent, reminding Bay Area residents to remain vigilant about keeping their home safe. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 2015 is already among the most devastating years for wildfires since 1960.
Here are a few tips for safety and preparedness during fire season from the National Fire Protection Association.
1. Creating a 30 foot zone of fire resistant space around your home will help fires from starting near or spreading to your home.
2. Consider using fire resistant plants and landscaping to help protect your home from a wildfire.
3. If you smoke outdoors, grind it out in the dirt. Never grind on a stump or log. Never throw it into a bush.