Oakland, CA – The Oakland Police Department shares our community’s concerns regarding reckless and dangerous behavior taking place in the Oakland Hills, Grizzly Peak area when it comes to careless individuals lighting fireworks and bonfires. The devastating 1991 Oakland Hills fire that took 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes is a reminder to all of us how important it is to ensure and value the efforts of awareness, education, prevention, and collaborative community and regional partnerships.
In response to the concerns/complaints of our community, City of Oakland leaders, District 1 Councilmember Dan Kalb, Oakland Police, Oakland Fire, and the Oakland Department of Transportation, formed an interdepartmental working group. This working group in consultation with community-based groups identified high-risk areas and neighboring jurisdictions needed to assist with safety patrols, enforcement, and parking closure measures.
“I am very grateful to the Oakland Police Department for its strong collaboration with the Oakland Fire Department and neighboring jurisdictions to make extra resources available to prevent the dangerous behavior at parking lookouts on Grizzly Peak Boulevard. One mistake in this location could lead to a wildfire disaster,” said Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb whose district includes the parking lookouts. “This is a terrific example of community groups, local governments, and our police and fire departments collaborating across political boundaries, working together for the benefit of the entire region.” Oakland Councilmember Loren Taylor said, “The smoke that recently enveloped the Bay Area from as far away as Oregon reinforces to us how wildfire danger threatens the safety of more than just those who live in the immediate wildfire zone. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and avoid making fires, lighting illegal fireworks, and other acts that increase fire danger and threaten the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors.”
Action taken;
•Nine locations were identified where activity was most frequently reported.
•Installed signage that restricts” No Stopping 9:00 PM-6:00 AM” based on Fire Code authority to close areas representing significant fire risk. OMC 15.12.0304909.4.1
•Nightly Patrols 7 days a week •Continued efforts to close additional turnouts (several have already been closed)
•The working group will continue efforts to improve safety along the Grizzly Peak area.
•Electric signboards will be placed at key intersections, the first being Grizzly Peak and Claremont. The signboards will provide safety information.
•September 16, 2020, PIO collaborative presser with media partners to share efforts with our community focusing on awareness, education, prevention, and how we all can help prevent fires. Agencies attending are OPD, OFD, UC Berkeley PD, Berkeley PD, Berkeley Fire, and Kensington PD.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Office at 510-238-7230 or opdmedia@oaklandca.gov or Visit Nixle.com to receive Oakland Police Department alerts, advisories, and community messages, or follow OPD on Twitter, @oaklandpoliceca