A fire near highways 101 and 85 in San Jose erupted just before
5 p.m. Thursday, burning upwards of 435 acres and threatening a
residential subdivision before finally being brought under control
about four hours later.
A fire near highways 101 and 85 in San Jose erupted just before 5 p.m. Thursday, burning upwards of 435 acres and threatening a residential subdivision before finally being brought under control about four hours later.
Firefighters from throughout the Bay Area were called in to assist in combating the wind-driven flames that quickly consumed grass and brush in rolling east of U.S. 101 and north of Metcalf Road. Fire engines lined Metcalf, which was closed, to stop the fire from spreading further south.
Smoke from the blaze created a gray haze that reached into San Benito County. The winds were estimated at 14-20 mph.
The fire burned grass and brush in an area north of Metcalf Road and east of the freeway. Smoke from the fire could be seen as far south as San Martin.
Engines from San Jose, California Department of Forestry and South County Fire Department along with air tankers, helicopters and bulldozers. Approximately 20 fire engines, most with three-man crews, were on the fire lines.
Air tankers made numerous drops of fire retardant until they were grounded because of darkness.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Homes in south San Jose were briefly threatened. None burned.
Drivers watching the smoke and flames slowed the commute traffic along 101.
During the same time period, firefighters doused a small blaze off Pacheco Pass Highway in the vicinity of Dinosaur Point in Merced County
The cause of the Dinosaur Point fire also has not been determined
