Gateway

The Oakland Hills Fire Memorial Park is a solemn and reflective space located in the Hiller Highlands area of Oakland, California. Established in 1993, the park serves as a memorial to the 25 individuals who lost their lives in the devastating Oakland Hills Firestorm of October 20, 1991.

The centerpiece of the park is a bronze sculpture surrounded by low walls inscribed with the names of the victims. This memorial provides a focal point for remembrance and contemplation. The park also features a drinking fountain dedicated to Oakland Fire Department Battalion Chief James Riley, who perished while trying to save residents during the fire.

Adjacent to the memorial is the Gateway Emergency Preparedness Exhibit Center, which includes a Fire Resistant Demonstration Garden. This garden showcases a model landscape that adheres to the city's requirements for defensible space, displaying plant materials and mulches appropriate for the region's climate and topography. This educational component of the park serves to inform visitors about fire safety and prevention measures.

The park's location on Tunnel Road at Hiller Highlands Drive offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding hills, providing a stark contrast to the devastation that occurred in 1991. While the park primarily functions as a memorial, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of fire preparedness and the ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies.