Oakland firestorm of 1991

The Oakland Hills firestorm occured on Sunday October 20, 1991. The fire is often referred to as the East Bay hills fire, since it struck the hills in both Oakland and Berkeley. The fire killed 25 people and injure 150. 2,449 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units were destroyed by the fire. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5 billion.

Among the contributing factors that lead to the firestorm were Santa Ana Winds, which are hot dry winds that blow off shore (over land and then out to sea). Thick, dry vegetation close to many dwellings also contributed to the firestorm.

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