Lessons From Oakland Hills Fire Helped in San Bruno

Lessons learned from the 1991 Oakland hills firestorm and more modern communications equipment have helped firefighters in San Bruno during the last 24 hours get a quicker handle on controlling the disastrous gas-explosion-fueled blaze in the Crestmoor Canyon area.

In addition, wider streets and somewhat lesser winds have also played a factor in improving access to the affected areas, officials said.

The Oakland hills firestorm killed 25 people and injured 150 others, covering some 1,520 acres on the hillsides of northern Oakland and southeastern Berkeley on Sunday, Oct. 20, 1991. More than 3,300 homes and 430 apartments and condos were destroyed. Estimated costs were $1.5 billion.

Winds in the Oakland hills firestorm gusted at time to more than 70 mph. Flames took out power lines to 17 pumping stations in the Oakland water system.
Communications among mutual aid responders were hampered by antiquated equipment and lack of access to statewide radio frequencies.

Finally, roads on the narrow, windy Oakland hills were crowded with parked cars, including those in front of fire hydrants. Fire trucks and ambulances were blocked from getting through and from connecting to fire hoses.

A press conference is taking place in San Bruno at noon today as local fire officials offer more information about Thursday night's fire.