As California observes Wildfire Preparedness Week, firefighters in the South Bay have battled at least two brush fires in as many days.
The first blaze Wednesday evening scorched 19 acres in the hills of South San Jose, while the second one broke out Thursday morning near Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.
“It’s the weather and the fuels,” San Jose Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Herrera said. “The weather temperature is increasing. The fuels are getting a little bit drier. We’re starting to see an uptick in vegetation fires throughout the city.”
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state is making $70 million available for wildfire prevention and projects statewide.
At a separate event, CalFire and other state agencies gathered in Santa Rosa to talk about wildfire preparedness, pointing out there have already been 1,805 fires this year that have burned nearly 15,000 acres.
“Specifically at CalFire, we have more personnel, more fire engines, more hand crews,” CalFire Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler said. “The administration of the legislature has supported 2,400 additional firefighters across the state.”