A two-alarm grass fire that threatened homes in the Communications Hill area this afternoon was sparked by an unattended fire at a homeless camp, according to San Jose fire officials.
The two-acre grass fire in an area off of Carol Drive and Curtner Avenue was reported around 4:45 p.m. and quickly went to a second alarm due to a windy conditions, said San Jose Fire Capt. Rob Brown.
Several homes at the top of Communications Hill were threatened by the flames, and one outbuilding, a shed, was lost, Brown said.
Engine companies staged at the top of the hill successfully protected the homes, however, Brown said. Residents of the homes were evacuated.
The fire was considered contained around 5:30 p.m. and has now been extinguished, Brown said. Firefighters were working against wind gusts of around 15-20 mph and terrain that is heavily covered with bushes, trees, wood piles and other flammable items.
The California Department of Forestry assisted the fight with water drops from a helicopter.
No injuries were reported, and the county communications facilities that give the area its name were not threatened, Brown said.
Local
An arson investigator has determined that the fire started at a homeless camp, where a cooking fire was left unattended. The encampment was destroyed in the blaze.
