Home’s attic catches fire as crews battle grass fire in Oakland

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Firefighters battle a grass fire in Oakland.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Crews in Oakland responded to a fire in a home's attic that was sparked by a grass fire that at first threatened three residential structures Monday.

Oakland Fire Department Chief Damon Covington said the initial call for the fire on the 3000 block of Parker Avenue came in at 3:50 p.m. In an update, they said the house with the attic on fire is at the 7800 block of Outlook. It appears embers from the grass fire are at play with the attic catching fire, but the cause remains under investigation.

At around 5:15 p.m., fire officials said the vegetation fire was contained and that crews were checking on hot spots in the residence that was affected.

Fire officials said there was a moderate rate of spread and that it started at one acre with six fire engines initially responding. Alameda County Fire was also on hand. In all, more than 50 Oakland firefighters responded to the fire. Covington said crews protected as many as 10 structures that were at-risk.

SkyFOX flew above and could see crews responding as well as what appeared to be a resident battling flames from his balcony deck with a garden hose. Oakland Fire thanked residents who provided easy access to homes and yards as they worked to contain the blaze.

Covington said firefighters will remain at the scene until they are sure the hot spots are out. He said they have been prepared for wildfire season in Oakland and that it helps when homeowners create defensible space in their yards.