A 105-acre fire burning near Pacheco Pass Highway and Bloomfield
Avenue is nearly contained, Cal Fire Captain Tom Walker said.
A 105-acre fire burning near Pacheco Pass Highway and Bloomfield Avenue is nearly contained, Cal Fire Captain Tom Walker said.
Firefighters had the blaze, which is not threatening any structures and is primarily fueled by low grasses in an agricultural area, 95 percent contained as of 4:45 p.m., Walker said. However, he expected crews to quickly contain the fire and then stay on scene extinguishing any small flames or embers.
Firefighters did not know what started the fire, but did specifically suspect that it was purposefully set, Walker said.
“We have not received any information as to a possible cause,” he said.
Law enforcement closed the westbound lane of Pacheco Pass, but were using the eastbound lane for two-way traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol. There was no estimate as to when normal traffic would be restored.
The fire, which was reported about 2:45 p.m., was quickly tackled thanks to “the close proximity of the Hollister air attack base and our resources,” Walker said.
South Santa Clara County Fire and the Gilroy Fire Department helped fight the blaze. In total, the three agencies used two air tankers, two helicopters, two dozers and 17 engines.
