A fast-moving Livermore fire that started around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday near Tesla and Cross roads burned through barns and surrounding vegetation in the city’s Wine Country before crews stopped its forward progress later in the evening.
Fire officials said crews arrived to find two barns and nearby brush engulfed in flames on property next to several wineries, including Leisure Street Winery. One of the barns held old cars and other combustible items that exploded as firefighters worked the blaze, sending a fireball into the air and a column of thick, dark smoke that neighbors said they could see for miles.
The fire, known as the Tesla Fire, burned for about five hours before crews brought it under control. No injuries were reported. Officials said the fire destroyed one barn and damaged another nearby structure.
The flames were fed by dry grass and vegetation near several vineyards, turning a brush fire into a larger structure fire before firefighters contained it. The scene remained active on Wednesday evening, and investigators had not been able to access the area while crews stayed on site to monitor hot spots.
That leaves the cause of the Tesla Fire unresolved for now, even as the immediate threat eased. The forward progress stopped, but the investigation into how the fire began in Livermore’s winery district is still waiting for crews to get a full look at the damage.
