Oakland Hills Fire Survivors Push for Fire Prevention on 22nd Anniversary

Twenty-two years ago Sunday, the Oakland Hills erupted in fire.

On the 22nd anniversary of the deadly fire, survivors joined forces with community leaders to help make sure it doesn't happen again.

The fire in 1991 killed 25 people and destroyed more than 3,500 homes.

Concerned residents and politicians used today's anniversary to urge people  to renew the Wildfire Prevention Assessment District.

The current measure is set to expire next year. It provides funding for roving fire patrols as well as vegetation management.

For the 10 or 20 percent of the people who live in the hills now and lived there during the fire, the memories are vivid.

"My family and i were among those who fled these hills as the fire devoured our homes and property," survivor Sue Piper said. "Many years after, our oldest daughter nine-years-old at the time slept with the light on"

Homeowners pay $65 a year in their property tax bills for the fire prevention measures.

People in the hills will be voting by mail on whether to extend the measure in the next two months.

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