San Jose Fire Destroys 2 Homes, Spreads to Grass Field at Base of Mount Hamilton

A fire gutted two homes in the East San Jose foothills on Thursday afternoon and spread to a nearby grassfield, officials said.

The blaze started about 4:15 p.m. at a home on Clayton Road at Mt. Hamilton Road at the base of Mount Hamilton.

San Jose Fire Department Capt. Cleo Doss said crews were able to get the grass fire under control at about 5 p.m., but then the fire jumped lines and the battle continued. The flames consumed about a half-acre of vegetation, according to Doss.

No other homes were threatened by the blaze and no evacuations were ordered, said Doss, who added that no one was inside the homes at the time of the fire.

The fire triggered several explosions as it burned small propane tanks on one of the affected properties, Doss said. Larger tanks on the property are being protected by fire officials and have remained intact.

Working with Cal Fire crews, San Jose officials have the fire surrounded and are working to put out hot spots, Doss said.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Winds were relatively mild at between 8 and 15 mph, according to NBC Bay Area chief meteorologist Jeff Ranieri.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Contact Us