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A 100-acre brush fire has engulfed a homeless encampment and caused multiple road closures near San Jose’s College Park neighborhood on Friday evening.
Crews responded to the fire a little after 4 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Coleman Avenue and University Avenue, according to the San Jose Fire Department. The blaze was first identified as a 3-4 acres fire but as the wind picked up, the flames spread to the Guadalupe River and a smoky haze consumed the surrounding area.
As of 6 p.m., Fire Capt. Brian Palodichuk said he did not expect the blaze to be contained for several hours.
“We’re trying to get a perimeter around it, but it’s tough with the wind driving it right now,” Palodichuk said, adding that people should try to avoid the area for the rest of the evening. “We’ve got a natural block at the Guadalupe River, so we anticipate it’ll stop there.”
A handful of homeless residents at the camp rushed to gather their belongings and save those that they could as some tents and RVs burned around them late Friday afternoon. At least one homeless individual was injured after being burned by the fire and was driven to the hospital by a family member, according to Palodichuk.
Vincent Hayes, a man who lived in the encampment, said residents “heard a bang” and believed an electrical box nearby may have been the cause of the fire. “Within a minute, it just tore right through,” he said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Twelve fire engines are on scene, as well as two county ambulances and personnel from PG&E for any potential downed power lines.
Coleman Ave. is closed between approximately West Hedding Street and Emory Street. West Hedding Street is closed between approximately Spring Street and Chestnut Street as crews battle the fire.
The fire was unrelated to a protest that began at San Jose City Hall Friday afternoon and spilled onto Highway 101 in response to the police killing of George Floyd — an African-American man killed in Minneapolis earlier this week.
This story will be updated.
