Berkeley Fire Chief Warns Wildfires Similar To Los Angeles "Can Happen Here"

CBS Bay Area

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley fire chief says the images we're seeing out of Southern California are a grim reminder of what can happen locally.

Some areas like Oakland and Berkeley Hill have similar topography and vegetation to those in Los Angeles. Local fire municipalities are already trying to learn from the tragedy.

"We have to double down," said Berkeley Fire Chief David Sprague. "We have to prepare because it's a matter of when, not if."

Oakland is contemplating closing fire stations, something that does not sit well in for residents who remember the 1991 Tunnel Fire — also known as the Oakland Hills Firestorm —that killed 25 people and destroyed 2,900 structures.

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