Latest news with #AlamedaCountyFireDepartment
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Big-rig fire shuts down westbound I-580 at Altamont Pass
All lanes on westbound Interstate 580 at the Altamont Pass are blocked Friday morning after due to a vehicle fire. According to firefighters, a big-rig caught fire in the westbound direction near Grant Line Road shortly before 6 a.m. The fire had spread into nearby vegetation. Crews with Cal Fire along with the Alameda County Fire Department responded to the scene. As of about 6:40 a.m., firefighters said forward progress of the fire has been stopped. All westbound lanes of the freeway remain blocked, with traffic being diverted off Grant Line Road. There is no estimated time of reopening. This is a breaking news alert. More details to come.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Controversy over GoFundMe in deadly San Leandro house fire
The Brief Relatives of the fire victims said acquaintance is refusing to hand over GoFundMe donations that were meant to help with burial and recovery costs. This comes as loved ones are trying to bury three victims of a San Leandro house fire. GoFundMe said the money will be directed to the family. SAN LEANDRO, Calif. - A controversy over a GoFundMe campaign has erupted in the wake of a San Leandro house fire that killed members of three generations of a family. "My baby, she's waiting there, waiting to get cremated, and this lady's got control of all the money to bury my baby," Heather Morrow said Tuesday, her voice breaking. What we know Morrow said a woman she knows is holding a GoFundMe hostage, refusing to turn over nearly $5,000 in donations. "She says, 'No, this is my thing, I set it up, and there's no reason why you should be in my account,'" Morrow said. The fire early Thursday killed Morrow's niece, Aaliyah Jardon, 6; Morrow's mother, Pam Morrow, 66; and Morrow's mother, Shirley Demerse, 90. Six others, including the Aaliyah's twin sister, escaped the flames. The family believes a lithium battery that was charging an e-bike ignited the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Alameda County Fire Department and sheriff's office. A day after the fire, KTVU spoke with Morrow, her twin sister Nichole and their friend, Antionette Lucchesi, who started a GoFundMe. What they're saying "The GoFundMe is dedicated for recovery of this family," Lucchesi told KTVU on Friday. "I've seen them grow and become something, you know, I can only wish ever having for my own." But now, Morrow says Lucchesi seems to be keeping the GoFundMe funds. Lucchesi has not responed to KTVU's request for comment on the matter. "I just want the money so I can bury my family," Morrow said. "I mean, I'm struggling, I have nothing. Red Cross has provided some money, but that's all gone from the hotel rooms." In a statement to KTVU, GoFundMe said, "Our team is working directly with the fundraiser organizer to help ensure funds safely reach the family. During this process, all funds are being safely held by our payment processors, and will only be released to the intended beneficiary." Morrow and her sister have someone else in their corner, Lucchesi's sister, Vanessa Lucchesi. "I'm pro the family and the kids and Aaliyah" she said. "What's wrong is wrong and what's right is right, and it's wrong what she's doing, you kno. That's the bottom line." The tragedy has been especially difficult for the surviving twin Ella Jardon, who's been asking some heart-wrenching questions. "Am I still a twin, and can I get a new sister, and is she coming back?" Morrow said. "She's coping, but she's having the hardest time." The family is requesting that donations be sent to a GoFundMe they've authorized. The community is organizing a vigil to honor the victims. It will take place at Toyon Park at 5 p.m. Thursday March 20. Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and The Source Interviews, previous KTVU reporting, along with a statement from GoFundMe.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Chief is My Belief': Black history being made by firefighters in Alameda County
EMERYVILLE, Calif. - On the last day of Black History Month, KTVU is taking a look at the future through the eyes of the heroes we call firefighters. Molly Williams, known as Volunteer 11, was the first known Black firefighter in the U.S., and a slave of a New York City merchant. Today, only 7% of firefighters are Black. Another 7% are bi-racial and 4% are women, while 80% are white. SEE ALSO: Honoring Black History Month By sheer population, there should be twice as many Black firefighters and at least 12 times as many women. Dig deeper That's why Emeryville's Chief is My Belief has gone from one classroom of 30 students 12 years ago, to hundreds. Chief is My Belief is all about inspiring belief in one's self. "It really is looking at making sure that our youth knows how important [it is] to the future of this country and this community," said Alameda County Fire Department Chief Willie McDonald. Alameda County Division Chief Randall West is glad to give back to the community as part of the Emeryville organization. "I grew up in a neighborhood that wasn't so promising, and it's good to come back and give back to the community," West says. "So, one day, they might look at what firefighters [and] be like, 'I remember him or I remember her for what they did, for what they told me.'" Famed artist Shomari Smith donates art to the program. "I know that the kids, for sure, with Chief is My Belief, you see inspiration all around and these people were from the same communities and they've come from similar types of families," said Smith. The message is surely getting through. Menna Gadallah wants to be a veterinarian. "To me, it's always been like a program that shows that it doesn't matter what skin color or what gender you are, you can still make accomplishments despite the fact that you're different from others," Gadallah RELATED: Astrophysicist and artist Nia Imara breaks barriers The kids understand that dreams require real work. "I've learned that it's not as easy as you think. It's really hard. There's a lot of pressure on you when you're on duty," said 6th grader Anfie Herrera. West is touched to see the impact of the program. "I am very happy and very touched by how this program has motivated our youth just to be better at what they want to do," West said. "Not if they want to become firefighters, but be better individuals and leaders in their communities." The Source Interview with Alameda County firefighters and community members.
