Deer Complex Fire Nearly Triples In Size: Evacuations Remain

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A series of wildfires believed to have been started by lightning Sunday morning have grown to 1,161 acres, according to Cal Fire. The agency calls the fires the Deer Zone Fires, but they are also being called the Deer Complex Fire and Deer Valley Complex Fire by various agencies.

The fires forced mandatory evacuations after 9 p.m. Sunday, which remain in place Monday. Residents have evacuated from all of Morgan Territory Road, and from Marsh Creek Road between Morgan Territory Road and Round Valley Regional Preserve staging area.

That's in the county near Brentwood, and includes the Clayton Palms mobile home community.

Two evacuation centers have been set up, according to the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District. The Brentwood evacuation center at the Community Center, 34 Oak St., Brentwood. In Clayton, go to the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton.

The Deer Zone Fires include four fires, and there is no containment — officially zero percent, according to Cal Fire.

Smoke from the fires is blowing into the tri-valley, according to residents, who are also keeping a wary eye on the Marsh Fire near Sunol and Calaveras Reservoir. That fire doubled overnight to 1,775 acres. It has also forced a handful of evacuations. That fire is also zero percent contained, and there was lightning in the area when it sparked.

Both Round Valley Regional Preserve and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve are closed until further notice, according to the East Bay Regional Park District.

Also See:

• Sunol Area Marsh Fire Balloons To 1,775 Acres, 0% Containment
• 2,500 Lightning Strikes, More To Come In Bay Area: SEE