A Bay Area community in Moraga was evacuated early Thursday morning due to a fast-moving wildfire, reported around 1 AM.

Neighborhood Evacuated

Approximately 140 residents in the Sanders Ranch neighborhood were under evacuation for several hours as the Moraga-Orinda Fire Department responded to the fire which threatened their homes.

The Merrill Fire burned over 60 acres near 46 Merrill Circle North, just south of St. Mary’s College.

The University was not in danger and therefore was not evacuated.

PG&E Power Shutoff

Additionally, residents found the evacuation order very upsetting due to the already strained circumstances from being without power since Wednesday evening.

PG&E issued a public safety power shutoff that affected 800,000 customers, including the Sanders Ranch neighborhood.

Furthermore, evacuees were advised to seek shelter at St. Monica’s Church, where power was also out.

Fire Contained

As of 5:30 AM, officials reported the fire was contained.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes.

The cause of the fire will be determined later, once investigators are able to access the area.