Oakland, October 19, 2026
EBMUD observes 1991 Tunnel Fire
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) today commemorates the 35th anniversary of the 1991 Tunnel Fire that devastated the Oakland Hills. The firestorm destroyed thousands of homes in Oakland and Berkeley and remains one of the most devasting wildfires in California history.
“For those of us who experienced it, the loss was tremendous,” said EBMUD Manager of Watershed and Recreation Scott Hill, who served as an EBMUD Ranger during the fire. “Much of my career since 1991 has been dedicated to educating the public about wildfire risks, particularly for those living in a high fire danger area. We must remain vigilant, continue preparing, and never become complacent.”
Film Release
EBMUD released a 9-minute film that reflects on the firestorm’s impact, lessons learned, and actions taken to improve fire safety and resilience in the East Bay. “Fire in the Hills,” features archival news footage and interviews with EBMUD subject matter experts and regional fire safety officials.
Water System Improvements
Highlights of EBMUD’s fire readiness include:
- Establishment of an Emergency Operations Team and standard operating procedures for Red Flag Warning days
- Year-round fuels reduction on 29,000 acres of East Bay watershed and greater coordination with partner agencies on open space vegetation management
- System upgrades to reservoir tanks, pumping plants and other critical structures
- Installation and mobile deployment of backup power supplies
- Robust fire hydrant inspections and regional standardization of related tools
- Proactive outreach to help customers limit their fire risk
- Continuous coordination with local fire departments
“The Tunnel Fire happened 35 years ago and, since then, EBMUD has been getting the support from prior boards and this board to invest whatever it takes to be as resilient and as prepared as we can be,” said EBMUD Board President Luz Gómez.
Resources
- B-Roll and photography: Video clips and photos of EBMUD’s watershed and system are available. (Please credit EBMUD.)
- Attachments: Tunnel Fire fact sheet; Wildfire Preparedness fact sheet.
- Interviews: EBMUD subject matter experts are available upon request.
Related recent emergency events and EBMUD actions
- In 2018, PG&E launched its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to power down portions of the electrical grid in advance of severe fire weather. Prepared with redundant power sources at critical points in the water distribution system, EBMUD grew its power-outage response with temporary generators and portable pumps. To date, after numerous PSPS events in EBMUD’s service area, water service has remained reliable.
- In 2024, a brushfire ignited in the Oakland Hills under similar weather conditions. With heightened response from EBMUD’s Oakland Control Center, the Oakland Fire Department extinguished the Keller Fire with only 15 acres burned and damage limited to two homes.