A third wildfire has struck southeastern Alameda County within a five-day span, with the Vargas Fire burning approximately 10 acres of dry vegetation on Saturday. The blaze ignited near Vargas Road around 2 p.m., situated in the hills west of Interstate 680 between Fremont and Sunol. Smoke from the fire drifted into the Tri-Valley area as crews responded to the scene.
Cal Fire reported that forward progress of the Vargas Fire was halted, yet containment remained at zero percent within an hour of ignition. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed. This event follows two other recent blazes in the region, including a 10-acre fire in south Pleasanton near the intersection of Interstate 680 and Sunol Boulevard that began roughly 24 hours earlier.
That previous incident, referred to as the Pleasanton Fire, was fully contained by Friday night. It occurred just days after the Little Fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon near Vallecitos and Little Valley roads. The Little Fire consumed 1,007 acres and threatened neighborhoods in southern Pleasanton, including Ruby Hill, before crews began gaining control overnight.
As of Saturday afternoon, Cal Fire listed the Little Fire as 90% contained but still active. The rapid succession of these fires highlights a period of heightened fire activity across the county during the summer season.
