### Five-Alarm Keller Fire in Oakland Triggers Evacuations and Destroys Homes

A severe five-alarm brush fire in Oakland, California, ignited evacuation orders on Friday as it ravaged two homes. The Oakland Fire Department provided updates early Saturday on X, stating crews were committed to fully extinguishing the Keller Fire, located in Oakland Hills.

Fire Chief Damon Covington shared at a press conference on Friday that the team had halted the fire's forward momentum but emphasized that considerable efforts remained. "We still have a lot of work to do," Covington noted.

The Oakland Fire Department confirmed that flames had affected two homes. However, numerous other residences on streets such as Maynard, Sanford, Greenridge, and Canyon Oaks managed to avoid direct damage. Initially, evacuation orders targeted Campus Drive and Crystal Ridge Court, as reported by NBC Bay Area, before extending to adjacent areas. Mayor Sheng Thao urged evacuees to respond promptly, emphasizing, "You're only being evacuated because we're trying to protect the health of our citizens."

One of the two homes damaged belonged to Delane Sims. In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Sims recounted that her husband was inside when their landscape ignited, causing an explosion that shattered a front window. "That explosion woke him up, and he was able to get out alive. That's what I'm most grateful for," Sims said, appreciating their narrow escape.