Livermore Brush Fire Contained, Sycamore Grove Park Remains Closed

Livermore, CA — Fire crews are working to extinguish a large brush fire that started in Livermore Thursday afternoon. Multiple fire agencies responded to battle the blaze, according to officials.

"The fire is contained and under control but not out," Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Deputy Chief Joe Testa said. "Units will remain on scene through the night."

Testa said the fire, which was sparked by a tractor performing week abatement near the Livermore Veterans Affairs Hospital, burned about 20 acres. The majority of the burned area was inside Sycamore Grove Park.

The fire was reported in the 4900 block of Arroyo Road at about 1:26 p.m., according to the Pulsepoint phone application. The blaze was less than a mile from the Wente Vineyards and quickly spread to the nearby Sycamore Grove Park, according to Livermore Area Recreation and Park District officials.

Testa said several spot fires started near the Wente property but were extinguished.

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District spokesperson Lea Blevins said park ranger staff evacuated the park and closed it for the remainder of the day. Testa says the park will remain closed on Friday.

The firefighters were challenged by heavy fuel, limited vehicle access and rough terrain, including creek beds, narrow bridges and soft soil.

Testa said helicopters and air tankers assisted with fire suppression. It took firefighters approximately two hours to contain the fire.

"At one point, 130 firefighters worked on this fire," Testa said. "Alameda County Fire, Cal Fire and East Bay Regional Parks Fire departments all helped. Fremont Fire helped cover our fire stations."

No one was injured during the blaze and no homes were damaged, according to Testa. Arroyo Road was closed for about two hours due to limited visibility caused by smoke, and vehicle traffic preventing firefighters from accessing the scene. Smoke from the fire could be seen from all over Tri-Valley.

Lead photo courtesy Blair Family

Map courtesy Google Maps