More than 100 firefighters and support crews battled a stubborn 20-acre fire burning in steep, rocky terrain in Niles overnight, maintaining a Fire Watch at the scene before resuming operations with daylight Thursday morning.
Air Tankers and helicopters were summoned to assist with what has become known as the Niles Fire shortly after it was reported burning near the 8 mile mark on the ridge above Palomares Road at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Incident commanders said crews managed to halt the fires advance and keep it contained through the night. The fire is currently reported as being 30 percent contained with full containment expected as crews arrive Thursday.
Palomares Road is currently closed between Niles Canyon and Palo Verde.
Firefighters on the scene reported having to avoid falling boulders while navigating very steep terrain. No injuries have been reported, and firefighters from Alameda County Fire, Fremont Fire, CalFire and East Bay Regional Parks were called on to help fight the blaze.
Got your flash alerts and managed to miss most of the mess on 84 last night. We were surprised no one else seemed to be mentioning it. Glad no one was hurt out there in the dark!!!