Crews battle wind-driven Midway Fire near Tracy

Hundreds of acres burn in brush fire near Livermore

Cal Fire named the blaze the Midway Fire. It broke out around 2:51 p.m. in the area of Patterson Pass and Midway roads near Altamont Pass, between the cities of Livermore and Tracy.

TRACY, Calif. - A wind-driven vegetation fire sparked in a rural part of Alameda County on Thursday afternoon.

Where is it burning?

What we know:

According to Cal Fire SCU, the blaze, dubbed the Midway Fire, broke out around 2:51 p.m. near Patterson Pass and Midway roads, close to Altamont Pass. It was situated between the cities of Livermore and Tracy.

Midway Fire acreage

Why you should care:

The Midway Fire charred 262 acres. By early Thursday evening, officials with Calfire said it was 75% contained. 

The California Highway Patrol shut down both directions of Interstate 580 between Patterson Pass Road and Interstate 205 as fire crews worked to contain the flames. The left lanes opened in both directions at around 6:25 p.m., as drivers were advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes to avoid the area. The roadway fully reopened by 9:30 p.m. 

What we don't know:

The cause remains under investigation. The Alameda County Fire Department, which along with Tracy Fire Department provided aid, said there were preliminary reports that the fire may have started near downed 230 kV transmission lines. 

PG&E is on the scene assisting with the investigation. The utility said they have fire and safety crews at the scene supporting Cal Fire's response.