The San José Fire Department responded to the blaze. (Photo: X)
A fast-moving vegetation fire in San Jose’s Alum Rock Park forced an evacuation on Thursday afternoon as firefighters worked to contain the blaze using both ground and air resources.
The Creek Fire was first reported at around 2:29 pm near Penitencia Creek Road and quickly expanded to about five acres — roughly the size of three football fields — according to the San José Fire Department.
Park rangers began clearing visitors from the area as crews battled flames across steep terrain and strengthening winds.
“Firefighters are responding with SJFD to a 5-acre fire near Penitencia Creek Rd in Alum Rock Park,” Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Multiple air and ground resources are en route.”
The department raised its response level from Tier 1 to Tier 3 within an hour of the initial report, citing a growing rate of spread.
“Rate of spread increasing due to wind picking up. No structures threatened at this time,” the department said at 2:53 pm, later confirming the escalation to Tier 3 at 3:04 pm
By 3:15 pm, firefighters were continuing operations from both the air and ground, with Cal Fire providing helicopter and air tanker support.
No injuries or damage to structures were reported, but officials urged the public to stay clear of the area while firefighting efforts continued.