Firefighters Extinguish Castro Valley Brush Fire

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Alameda County firefighters had another busy night Wednesday as they worked to contain a brush fire burning near homes in Castro Valley. Officials said the fire started around 10:30 p.m. and initially threatened structures near Three Crosses Church, Carter Lane and West Ridge Court, prompting evacuation orders for some residents.

The flames scorched four acres before crews were able to cut off its movement, successfully limiting the damage to a few fences and saving several structures. Evacuated residents were allowed to return home late in the evening.

The fire's cause remains under investigation, but witnesses reported fireworks in the area before the fire began.

Wednesday's fire followed a busy July 4 in Alameda County and elsewhere in the Bay Area, including a six-acre fire contained at Lake Chabot Park and a house fire in Union City.