Alameda County Brush Fire Rises to 1,007 Acres, Evacuation Orders Updated
A brush fire near Pleasanton, California, has expanded to more than 1,000 acres and is threatening nearby structures and powerlines, Cal Fire officials said on Tuesday. The blaze, known as the “Little Fire,” was first reported at about 2:40 p.m. near Vallecitos and Little Valley Roads in the Sunol area of Alameda County. By 10:21 p.m., the fire had consumed 1,007 acres and was only 10 % contained.
The fire’s remote location and difficult terrain have made containment efforts challenging. Cal Fire described the area as “remote with difficult access” and noted that the fire continues to pose a risk to structures and powerlines in the surrounding hills. The agency has been working to establish containment lines while monitoring the fire’s spread.
Evacuation orders have been partially lifted. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that residents in zones ALC‑072, PLS‑082, and PLS‑079 may return home. However, evacuation orders remain in effect for zones PLS‑080, PLS‑081, and PLS‑103 through the evening. Residents in those zones are advised to use State Route 84 (Vallecitos Road) or Happy Valley Road to exit the area.
A temporary shelter has been set up at the Pleasanton Senior Center on 5353 Sunol Blvd. Cal Fire also reported that one firefighter was injured in the incident, though the agency has not released details about the nature of the injury.
The Bay Area Air District issued an air‑quality advisory for the East Bay through Tuesday in response to smoke from the Little Fire. The advisory warns that smoke may affect air quality in Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties, and that smoky, hazy skies could be visible.
The Little Fire’s growth has prompted a coordinated response from multiple agencies. Cal Fire crews, along with the Alameda County Fire Department and the Livermore‑Pleasanton Fire Department, are battling the blaze from both the ground and the air. The fire’s proximity to residential zones and critical infrastructure has heightened concerns about potential damage.
The fire’s containment status remains at 10 %, meaning that 10 % of the perimeter has been surrounded by a line of firebreaks or other containment measures. Cal Fire officials continue to monitor the fire’s behavior, particularly as weather conditions and wind patterns can influence its spread.
As the fire continues to burn, officials are focusing on protecting structures, maintaining powerline safety, and ensuring that residents in the remaining evacuation zones can exit safely. The temporary shelter at the Pleasanton Senior Center is one of several community resources being used to support evacuees.
The situation is evolving. Cal Fire will update the public on containment progress and any changes to evacuation orders as the fire’s status changes. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news, Cal Fire’s website, and the Bay Area Air District’s advisories for the latest information.
In summary, the Little Fire has reached 1,007 acres with 10 % containment, continues to threaten structures and powerlines, and has prompted partial evacuation orders in Alameda County. The fire’s remote location and difficult terrain complicate containment efforts, while smoke from the blaze has triggered an air‑quality advisory across the East Bay.
The next steps involve maintaining containment lines, monitoring the fire’s behavior, and providing updated evacuation guidance as needed. Cal Fire and local authorities remain focused on protecting residents, infrastructure, and the environment as the fire burns.