ORINDA: 911 caller reported a grass fire at 6:47 p.m. on Hall Drive in Orinda. Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a vegetation fire in the area of Hall Drive and Donald Drive. On arrival firefighters found 1-2 acres burning on steep slope with moderate to rapid spread. Three (3) structures were threatened and fire engines were deployed to protect the structures on Keith Drive. 8 engines, 2 ambulances, 1 helicopter and 2 hand crew with a total of 70 personnel responded to extinguish the fire. Firefighters made an aggressive attack to stop the spread of fire prior to reaching the structures on Keith Drive. Fire was fully extinguished by 7:30 p.m. Total area burned was 1.5 acres of land. Cause of the fire was under investigation. Crews remained on scene though the evening to ensure the area is thoroughly overhauled and extinguished.
Homeowners are credited for saving their homes with the hazard abatement prevention program. Tall grass was cut last month to protect their homes sitting on top of a hillside. If the 4 foot grass was still there a disaster could have occurred. Flames stayed low to the ground until firefighters could attack it from all sides.
