Then Deputy Fire Chief, David Orth, testified in 2006 that "The Panoramic Hill area has very limited road access and water pressure, both which significantly impair the cities' (of both Berkeley and Oakland) ability to fight fires in the areas.  It is dependent on a single, very narrow, access route. In order to travel to the top of Panoramic Hill (where 1001 Panoramic Way is located) it is necessary to negotiate a number of switchbacks.  Some of these are so sharp, and the road is so narrow, that vehicles larger than automobiles, such as vans, cannot negotiate them without backup up." See the entire court declaration here.

In 1991 a fast moving wildfire came within 1/2 mile of 1001 Panoramic Way (a.k.a. Skyfall).  25 people lost their lives and over 3000 homes were destroyed as the fire spread quickly.  1001 Panoramic Way is located at the end of a long, narrow, dead end road surrounded by dry grass and forest. In the event of a fast moving wildfire, vehicles may be unable to use the road and residents will need to egress on foot.​