The cause of a vegetation fire in the Fremont hills above Niles Sunday evening is under investigation by Fremont Police and Fire.
On Sunday, June 23, 2019, at approximately 10:00 pm, Fremont Fire responded to a brush fire in the hills east of Mission Blvd, near Nichols Road (Niles area). The fire was limited to vegetation but burned close enough to about a dozen residences and structures, requiring evacuations.
Fremont Fire and Fremont Police established Unified Command and coordinated resources and evacuations.
Fremont detectives are actively investigating the cause with Fremont Fire personnel. The circumstances resulting in the fire remain under investigation, however based on initial information, it’s not believed the fire was started as a result of transient activity, nor was this the result of illegal fireworks. It’s too early to conclude if this was accidental or an intentional act.
The fire, estimated at 12-15 acres was contained within three hours. There were no injuries and no loss of structures. Several agencies including Hayward Fire and Alameda County Fire provided mutual aid to the City of Fremont during this incident. Fremont Fire remained in the area on watch throughout the night and have plans to remain in the area today.
We are lucky no one was injured during this fire and this is a good reminder that our City is not immune from fire danger. This is a good time to talk to family members about escape and evacuation plans, test your fire alarms and check your property for dry brush and vegetation, especially if you reside on the hill side of Mission Blvd or near open space. For more tips and information visit www.fremont.gov/fire.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact police investigators at 510-790-6900 or email Detective MacDonald at [email protected].
