Oakland officials are intensifying wildfire-prevention efforts ahead of the Independence Day holiday, citing memories of the 1991 Oakland Hills blaze that killed 25 people and destroyed about 3,000 homes. Mayor Barbara Lee and Fire Chief David Covington said crews have already carried out roughly 25,000 residential inspections, cleared dry brush with heavy equipment and herds of goats, and continued a long-running program to remove highly flammable eucalyptus trees. All consumer fireworks remain illegal throughout Alameda County, but the city historically struggles to enforce the ban. To deter use this year, the fire department has set up a hotline for reporting violations and plans roving patrols in cooperation with police. Grizzly Peak Boulevard—a ridge-top road in a high-risk zone—will be closed from 6 a.m. on July 4 until the same time the following day to keep spectators and would-be fireworks users away from tinder-dry hillsides. Covington urged residents to attend only licensed public displays and to alert authorities if they see fireworks being set off. “July 4th is one of our most treacherous days,” he said, adding that community participation is critical because enforcement resources cannot cover every street. City leaders also asked homeowners to finish clearing vegetation near structures and to secure outdoor combustibles before the holiday.