San Jose Fire Involving Homeless Encampment Burns 71 Acres

SAN JOSE, CA —A vegetation fire that burned 71 acres Thursday afternoon near Capitol Expressway in San Jose was caused by illegal fireworks, the fire department tweeted later in the evening.

Fire officials said that the blaze, reported at 4:18 p.m. at Capitol Expressway and Tuers Road, was under control by 7:09 p.m. Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow originally stated the fire was reported at 4:38 a.m.

It took the work of nine engines, two brush patrols, a water tender and two battalion chiefs, the fire department's tweet said.

The fire was not far from Coyote Creek and Andrew Hill High School, located at 3200 Senter Road, Matlow said shortly after the fire broke out. No structures or horses were threatened at that time.

Fire crews learned from witness reports that fireworks were at the root of the flames, which originally affected just two acres but continued to spread.

"Fireworks are dangerous and illegal!" fire spokespeople warned in the social media post.

Matlow said Thursday afternoon that a homeless encampment was involved, but did not elaborate.

No further information was available.

By Bay City News Service

Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch