A fast-moving vegetation fire in San Jose’s Alum Rock Park grew to about 10 acres Thursday afternoon, prompting voluntary evacuations as firefighters from the San Jose Fire Department and Cal Fire worked by air and ground to contain the flames before its forward progress was stopped.
The Creek Fire was first reported around 2:29 p.m. near Penitencia Creek Road in the foothills of the Diablo Range. Crews encountered steep, rugged terrain and strengthening winds as they worked to slow the blaze’s spread.
“Firefighters are responding with SJFD to a 5-acre fire near Penitencia Creek Rd in Alum Rock Park,” Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit posted on X. “Multiple air and ground resources are en route.”
By late afternoon, the fire had expanded to approximately 9.74 acres. Firefighters stopped its forward progress just before 5 p.m.
While no official evacuation orders were in place, some residents along Alum Rock Falls Road voluntarily left their homes and relocated to Blue Oak Ranch Reserve as a precaution.
Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is one of California’s oldest municipal parks. The 720-acre open space, tucked in the foothills of the Diablo Range, is known for its hiking trails, picnic areas and scenic canyon views.
No injuries or structural damage were reported, though officials urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while firefighters worked to contain the flames.
“If you smell smoke and it’s bothering you stay inside,” authorities urged.
This article originally published at Firefighters battle fast-moving vegetation fire in San Jose’s Alum Rock Park.