Wildland-Urban Interface Blaze Strikes San Jose, California Hills

Oct. 2, 2006
Residents of San Jose's east foothills were confronted with a fast moving vegetation fire that scorched 30 acres of tinder dry grass and brush just after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2006.

Residents of San Jose's east foothills were confronted with a fast moving vegetation fire that scorched 30 acres of tinder dry grass and brush just after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2006.

Units of the San Jose Fire Department, assisted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, responded into the area off of Suncrest Avenue and began an immediate attack on the fast moving flames. San Jose firefighters carried wildland hose packs up steep hills and established multiple progressive hose lays to get water onto the wind driven flames.

Multiple homes in the area were threatened by the fire prompting Incident Commander, BC Michael Ayala, to request additional resources for both structure protection and fire suppression. The blaze went to four-alarms and included over 100 San Jose firefighters and CDF personnel.

Thanks to a rapid response and a well orchestrated attack no structures were lost and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!