Mayor Lee and Fire Chief Covington Mark 34th Anniversary of Tunnel Fire, Urge Wildfire Preparedness
Date: October 20, 2025
News from: Mayor's Office
Mayor Lee and Fire Chief Covington Mark 34th Anniversary of Tunnel Fire, Urge Wildfire Preparedness
Mayor's Office Contact:
Justin Phillips
Oakland, CA — Oakland Remembers the 1991 Tunnel Fire on Its 34th Anniversary
Oakland, CA – Today, on this the 34th anniversary, the City of Oakland reflects on the impact and lessons learned from the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm - often called the “Tunnel Fire” - which claimed 25 lives, injured over 150 people, and destroyed more than 3,000 homes across 1,500 acres.
This day serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the strength of a community that rebuilt in the fire’s aftermath. Oakland extends gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and neighbors whose bravery defined that tragedy - and continues to inspire today’s efforts in wildfire prevention and preparedness.
In the years since, Oakland and regional partners have strengthened vegetation management, evacuation planning, fire communications, and public education. Still, changing climate conditions and ongoing drought mean the risk of wildfire remains.
Residents are urged to stay prepared by maintaining defensible space around homes, knowing evacuation routes, have a “Go” bag prepared, and participating in community fire-safety efforts such as AC Alert and Genasys Protect.
Remembering the Tunnel Fire reminds us that preparedness saves lives. Our collective vigilance keeps Oakland stronger and safer.
As we commemorate this anniversary, the city reaffirms its commitment to learning from the past and protecting our future.