Pleasanton Thanks Responders for Little Fire Containment

The City of Pleasanton and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department have issued a public statement expressing gratitude for the swift and coordinated response to the Little Fire. The wildfire began on Tuesday afternoon, July 21, within CAL FIRE’s jurisdiction south of Pleasanton. It quickly spread toward the city, threatening Ruby Hill and other nearby neighborhoods.

Under the leadership of CAL FIRE and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, crews deployed extensive air and ground resources to slow the fire’s advance. By Wednesday morning, the Little Fire had burned approximately 1,007 acres. Firefighters stopped the fire’s forward progress on Tuesday night and established a perimeter. By Wednesday morning, containment reached 40 percent.

As the fire threatened neighborhoods on Tuesday, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for five zones, displacing approximately 6,098 residents and affecting 1,906 homes and other structures. The City opened the Pleasanton Senior Center as an evacuation support center for displaced residents. That center has since been deactivated.

The response involved CAL FIRE’s Santa Clara Unit, the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, the Pleasanton Police Department, Alameda County emergency personnel, and other regional mutual-aid partners. Firefighters worked from the air and ground in challenging terrain. Police officers and emergency personnel supported evacuations, road closures, and public notifications.

Mayor Jack Balch issued a statement on behalf of the community and the City Council. He expressed deep gratitude for the service of first responders, emergency personnel, the City team, mutual-aid partners, and volunteers. He noted that their preparation, professionalism, courage, empathy, and compassion were evident throughout the emergency.

Fire Chief Aaron Lacey stated that this was the largest and most dynamic wildfire incident the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department has encountered to date. He credited communication and previous training across organizations as key factors in successfully managing the incident. The City thanked residents for responding promptly to emergency notifications, following evacuation orders, and cooperating with public safety personnel.

The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department thanked CAL FIRE and other partners for their assistance in the response effort.