**Oakland Fire Containment Efforts Underway Amidst Gusty Winds**

Oakland, Calif. – The Oakland Fire Chief offered an update on a significant brush fire in the Oakland Hills as teams of firefighters strive to control the remaining hot spots amidst challenging wind conditions. The wind-fueled fire, which ignited on Friday, has damaged at least two structures and led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

By Saturday morning, firefighters reported that the fire was at 50% containment, having burned through approximately 15 acres. Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington highlighted the collaboration of around 200 firefighters from various Bay Area departments and Cal Fire's air support in preventing the situation from worsening.

"Without them, we would be having a very different conversation," Covington remarked during a Saturday morning press briefing.

According to the fire department, the blaze began around 1:30 p.m. on Friday near Interstate Highway 580 and Keller Avenue. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, threatening nearby homes and resulting in a swift response from emergency services.

Some residents have been permitted to return to their homes, although evacuation orders remain in effect for areas such as Campus Drive and the ridge's summit due to ongoing heavy winds. Chief Covington expressed hopes of lifting all evacuation orders by Saturday night.

Despite halting the forward progress of the fire, crews will continue to manage the site to extinguish residual flames and address hot spots, particularly in vegetation and tree stumps. Elevated temperatures and heavy winds are key concerns, with firefighters anticipating a presence in the area through Sunday.

Officials are also keeping an eye on trees damaged by the fire, which pose a risk of falling and endangering the crews working below. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident has resulted in one minor injury reported on Friday evening.

Reflecting on past events, this fire comes nearly 33 years after the tragic Oakland Hills firestorm of October 19, 1991. Known as the Tunnel Fire, that disaster claimed 25 lives and destroyed nearly 3,500 homes, a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with wildfires in the region.