Crime & Safety

Crews Battle Brush Fire In Oakland Hills Above UC Berkeley

University officials said no evacuations are needed at this time.

BERKELEY, CA — Crews are battling a brush fire in the Oakland Hills above UC Berkeley and are advising people to avoid the area. Here's what to know.

The fire ignited sometime around 11:45 a.m. near the 1000 block of Panoramic Way and has burned two to three acres so far, UC Berkeley officials said.

"There may be traffic impacts in the area as responders work to contain the fire," UC Berkeley officials said in a campuswide email. "We do not currently have any information that would indicate that any campus evacuations are necessary."

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Helicopters made water drops on the fire as officials asked people to avoid Panoramic Hill.

Road closures were also placed at Stadium Rim Way and Centennial Drive and Prospect Street and Channing Way, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

It appears forward progress on the fire was stopped as of 1:15 p.m., according to Oaklandside.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.