A wildfire that spread up a steep slope abutting Anderson
Reservoir Sunday afternoon was contained approximately two hours
after it started and did not threaten any structures.
Morgan Hill – A wildfire that spread up a steep slope abutting Anderson Reservoir Sunday afternoon was contained approximately two hours after it started and did not threaten any structures.
The blaze, which started at 3:15pm, was contained at approximately 5:30pm, and Cal Fire Battalion Chief Derek Witmer said he began releasing crews at 8:30-9pm.
No one was injured during the fire.
Witmer said Monday the blaze, which was within San Jose city limits, consumed six acres before it was controlled, and crews held it at the top of the ridge. Ten engines, including Santa Clara County Fire Department Engine 13, and four fire crews worked the incident. Witmer said the initial fire assault was made by two air tankers and two helicopters as crews were struggling to access the area on the ground.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Witmer said.
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department rangers assisted, as well as Morgan Hill police and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies.
Witmer said the two law enforcement agencies blocked off roads to the area, including Cochrane Road.
According to Ken Silveira, park ranger supervisor, a ranger initially saw smoke from the fire and reported it. Rangers then evacuated approximately 100-150 people from two park picnic areas, the Toyon day camp and the Live Oak day camp.
