GILROY – A rapidly spreading fire burned more than 1,000 acres on Sunday in the wilds of Santa Clara County north of Gilroy, sparking a new round of residential evacuations, authorities said.
Shortly after 2:20 pm, CalFire teams responded to reports of flames along Crews Road in Oak Spring Circle. Temperatures in the area were in the low 80s to 90s, and low humidity and southwester winds of up to 25 mph were expected to make firefighting conditions even more difficult.
In a social media post just before 3:10 p.m., CalFire said two structures were involved, with many others threatened.
#CrewsFire [Update] The fire is now over 150 acres and remains at a moderate rate of spread. There are two structures involved and multiple structures remained threatened. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/sSQtHn0bzK
– CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) July 5, 2020
At 4:55 pm, evacuations continued along Canada Road, with at least one other agency seeking to help recover at-risk animals in the area.
#CrewsFire [Update] The fire is now on 600 acres. Additional Canada Road evacuations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/u0FPfcpMv0
– CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) July 5, 2020
Just before 6:30 pm, CalFire said the fire had increased to 1,000 acres and was heading south and east on Highway 152, with continued evacuations along Canada Road.
#CrewsFire [Update] The fire has now grown to 1,000 acres and is burning to Highway 152. Evacuations continue on Canada Rd. Pic.twitter.com/jCs2nGD02D
– CAL FIRE SCU (@calfireSCU) July 6, 2020
Firefighting resources in the area were also expanded by responses to the park fire near Anderson Reservoir, and by the aftermath of responses to fireworks caused by fireworks over the holiday weekend.
Check back for updates.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
.
