Mount Diablo Wildfire Triples in Size

By: Terence Chea

Published: September 10,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLAYTON, Calif.  -- Firefighters were working to confine a wildfire within a San Francisco Bay Area wilderness park as it threatens about 100 homes and triggers a smoke advisory for three nearby counties.
The fire in Mount Diablo State Park in Contra Costa County, which began Sunday, nearly tripled in size to 3,718 acres or nearly 6 square miles Monday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It was 20 percent contained.
Officials said hot temperatures and wind gusts fueled the fire's spread. While crews managed to stop the fire's advance by Monday evening, they were bracing for more hot weather and winds Tuesday.
"Warm, dry conditions will continue for the foreseeable future. Highs will be well into the 80s," said weather.com meteorologist Nick Wiltgen.
(MORE: Clayton, Calif. Forecast)
"Over the next couple of days we expect west to southwesterly winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 25 mph," said Wiltgen. "While it will be breezy, at least the wind direction is expected to stay consistent for a few days and that may help fire crews in their containment strategy."
About 100 homes remained evacuated.
The fire spewed a plume of smoke visible for miles. It was burning in steep, rugged terrain near Clayton, a town of about 11,000 people northeast of San Francisco, alongside the park.
Some 800 firefighters, aided by two air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters, were battling the blaze. Three of them suffered minor injuries.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory Monday for parts of Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties. Residents were advised to take precautions, including setting air conditioning units and car vent systems to recirculate.
Elderly people, children and those with respiratory illnesses were told to be particularly careful.
MORE: Photos from Mt. Diablo Wildfire

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Clayton, Calif.

Associated Press

Dave Johnson watches a wildfire burn on Mount Diablo State Park from a view in Clayton, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 9, 2013. A wildfire burning outside Mount Diablo State Park has forced dozens of residents and animals to evacuate Monday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)