US: Authorities continue to contain wildfire in Alameda County, Calif., as of late Oct. 18

Crews continue working to contain the Keller Fire burning in parts of Alameda County, California, as of late Oct. 18. The fire broke out the afternoon of Oct. 18 at the end of Sanford Street in the area of Maynard, Oakland. The fire has burned around 6 hectares (15 acres) and is 0 percent contained. More than 80 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze and have stopped the forward progression of the fire. Red flag warnings are in place across most of California through at least Oct. 19. The Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) shut off power to around 16,000 customers, mainly in the Bay Area and Northern California, due to the high fire risk caused by a diablo wind.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for zones OKL-E176, OKL-E177, OKL-E203, and OKL-E204; authorities estimate that at least 500 residents have been told to leave the area. Evacuation warnings are in effect for the surrounding areas, including zones OKL-E178 and OKL-E179. Officials have established evacuation shelters at Bushrod Recreation Center, East Oakland Sports Center, Ira Jinkins Recreation Center, and La Escuelita Elementary School.

The fire is burning near Interstate 580, which connects the Bay Area to central California. This caused traffic congestion as people tried to leave the area. Authorities temporarily shut down lanes on westbound Interstate 580 and asked people to avoid the area; the interstate has since been reopened. Full details on the locations of evacuation orders and road closures can be found here. Reports indicate that less than 10 structures have been damaged.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will likely contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.