The Pass Fire near Livermore burned 69 acres after starting near Altamont Pass Road in Alameda County, California, at 12:03 PM PDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026, according to CAL FIRE.
CAL FIRE’s Santa Clara Unit handled the response to the vegetation fire near Altamont, northeast of Livermore. The agency said the cause remained under investigation, and no incident management team was assigned.
Fire Started Near Altamont Pass Road
The fire was first reported at less than 5 acres before spreading across dry vegetation in the Altamont Pass area. CAL FIRE updates showed the blaze reached about 80 acres by early afternoon and was spreading at a moderate rate.
By 1:30 PM PDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026, officials said the forward spread of the Pass Fire had been stopped. That means firefighters had prevented the flames from continuing to move outward, though containment work still had to continue.
Updated Mapping Lowered Acreage to 69 Acres
A later CAL FIRE update at 5:58 PM PDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026, said updated GPS mapping adjusted the burned area to 69 acres. CAL FIRE listed the fire at 30% containment, meaning part of the fire perimeter had been secured by control lines.
ABC7/Bay City News reported that Altamont Pass Road was closed between Carroll and Grant Line Road, with drivers told to expect delays. The report also said crews from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and a CAL FIRE helicopter supported the response.
Crews Continued Mop-Up Work
Although the forward spread had been stopped, firefighters were expected to remain in the area to strengthen containment lines and check for hot spots. Mop-up work helps reduce the risk of flare-ups after the main fire movement has been halted.
The Pass Fire also came during elevated fire-weather concerns in parts of the Bay Area. ABC7/Bay City News reported that a Red Flag Warning was active from Saturday through Monday because of low humidity and forecast winds of 20 to 30 mph.
For residents and drivers near Livermore, Altamont and the East Bay, the incident showed how quickly a smaller vegetation fire can grow in dry, windy conditions and why rapid containment work remains critical during California’s fire season.
