Updated Sunday, Oct. 27 at 3:56 p.m.
Two grass fires broke out Sunday morning near Vallejo with flames coming dangerously close to homes, forcing evacuations and freeway closures.
The fires initially forced Interstate 80 to close in both directions as the freeway became shrouded in thick smoke. But as of 3:56 p.m., authorities say traffic was flowing in both directions of I-80, including the Carquinez Bridge.
An evacuation order for Crockett has also been lifted, according to Contra Costa Fire Protection District Sunday afternoon. The fire has burned 200 acres and is 50 percent contained, CalFire said shortly after 12 p.m.
The fire appeared to have spread from one that started earlier in the morning across the Carquinez Strait near the Carquinez Bridge toll plaza.
The California Highway Patrol diverted traffic to Interstate Highway 780.
"In these conditions any small fire can grow to a big fire very quickly, it's very dry, the winds are strong, very strong winds, especially at the ridge tops," Contra Costa County Fire Captain George Laing told KQED. "We're going to make sure this fire is fully contained and extinguished before any units start to get cleared."
Up to 6,000 people had been asked to evacuate, according to Laing.
The fire was reported shortly after 9 a.m. in the Glen Cove area. The Vallejo Firefighters Association reported crews were battling two fires in the area by 9:20 a.m.
An evacuation center at the Hercules Swim Center at 2001 Refugio Valley Rd. was established for Crockett residents.
The fire also prompted evacuations at the California State University Maritime Academy. Due to the fire and power outages, the school will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
KQED's Sara Hossaini contributed to this report.
Information from The Associated Press and Bay City News Service was used in this story.
To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy.