Firefighters in the San Francisco Bay Area made progress in containing the Keller Fire in the Oakland Hills, which began on Friday and destroyed at least two homes. The fire, which burned about 15 acres, was at 50% containment as of Saturday morning. About 500 residents were forced to evacuate, and part of Interstate 580 had to be temporarily closed near the fire.
Dry and gusty conditions across California have increased the risk of wildfires, leading to a red flag warning being issued for the Bay Area and Central Coast. The warning included winds of at least 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, low humidity, and high temperatures in the high 70s.
In response to the heightened fire risk, the local power company, Pacific Gas and Electric, shut off power for around 17,500 customers across 21 counties and three tribes to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires. The Diablo winds in Northern California and the Santa Ana winds in Southern California are contributing to the dangerous conditions, with gusts expected to reach up to 50 mph in some areas.
While the red flag warning in Southern California is expected to be lifted by Saturday afternoon, fire officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The Diablo and Santa Ana winds, typical in the fall, pose a significant risk for wildfires in both regions.
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