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Little Fire Scorches 1,000 Acres, Injures Firefighter, Evacuates Sunol

7/22/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cal Fire Contains

Cal Fire reported that the Little Fire burned 1,007 acres and was 10% contained by 9:55 p.m. on July 21, 2026.
The blaze ignited at 2:54 p.m. near Little Valley Road and Hubbard Lane in Sunol, expanding to 75 acres.
One firefighter was injured when a fire engine overturned near Ruby Hill Drive.
Evacuation orders covered zones PLS-079, PLS-080, PLS-081, PLS-082, PLS-103 and ALC-072.
A shelter opened at Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd.

Summary

Balch Tours Shelter

Defensible space in Ruby Hill kept flames at least 200 feet from houses, preventing any structure loss.
Mayor Jack Balch toured the shelter to support evacuees, noting he lives just outside the red zone.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory through 9 p.m. after recording 90°F temperatures, 15-25% humidity and 10-15 mph winds while investigators kept the fire’s cause under investigation.

History

Historical Context

On October 25 2003 the Cedar Fire ignited near Ramona, driven by strong Santa Ana winds and quickly engulfing thousands of acres. It destroyed 2,820 structures, killed 15 people and caused $1.3 billion in damages before full containment on November 3. A post-fire safety review condemned disorganized agency response, prompting later statewide defensible-space policies in California.

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Cal Fire Contains

Cal Fire reported that the Little Fire burned 1,007 acres and was 10% contained by 9:55 p.m. on July 21, 2026.
The blaze ignited at 2:54 p.m. near Little Valley Road and Hubbard Lane in Sunol, expanding to 75 acres.
One firefighter was injured when a fire engine overturned near Ruby Hill Drive.
Evacuation orders covered zones PLS-079, PLS-080, PLS-081, PLS-082, PLS-103 and ALC-072.
A shelter opened at Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd.

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