ALBANY, Calif. --
Firefighters remained on the scene late Thursday evening of a massive lumber fire in Albany that broke out at a lumber yard near Point Isabel and the Richmond city line.
The flames could be seen for miles.
The fire broke out around 7:20 p.m. Flames lit up the night sky, attracting the attention of many passing motorists traveling on Interstates 580 and 80.
Firefighters said many of the drivers called 911.
Crews from four fire departments -- Albany, Richmond, El Cerrito, and Berkeley -- responded quickly.
Firefighters told KTVU when they arrived at Quality Redwood Lumber Yard, the gates were locked, forcing units to break in.
The fire was located in the back of the property towards railroad tracks and I-580. Firefighters said it took 40 minutes to get the flames under control
There's considerable damage to the lumber yard itself and that part of the lumber yard, said Michael Banks of the Richmond Fire Department. “It didn't spread to neighboring businesses. Firefighters did a great job containing the fire keeping it in the one location.
Crews were able to contain the fire to the lumber yard. One concern was that this fast moving fire could have spread to nearby I-580 and I-80.
The fire chief said crews will remain on the scene least past midnight to keep an eye on any possible flare-ups.
No one was injured in the fire.
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