Oakland firestorm of 1991 facts for kids
The Oakland firestorm of 1991 was a very big and serious fire that happened in October 1991. It took place in the hills of west-central California, near the cities of Oakland and Berkeley. This fire is also known by its official name, the "Tunnel fire."
What Was the Oakland Firestorm?
The Oakland firestorm was a huge wildfire that quickly spread through homes and natural areas. It started on Saturday, October 19, 1991. The fire began in the hills above northern Oakland and southern Berkeley.
How Did It Affect People and Homes?
This fire was very destructive. Sadly, twenty-five people lost their lives because of the fire. Another 150 people were hurt or injured. The fire also caused a lot of damage to buildings. More than 2,800 houses were badly damaged or completely destroyed. In addition, 437 apartments and condominiums were also ruined.
How Much Damage Did It Cause?
The Oakland firestorm caused a huge amount of financial damage. The total cost of the damage was about $1.5 billion. This included the cost of rebuilding homes and repairing everything that was lost. It was one of the most expensive wildfires in California's history at that time.
