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MORGAN HILL – A large park fire in the hills near Anderson Reservoir had spread to approximately 343 acres and was 50 percent contained until noon Sunday, spreading smoke and fog over South Bay, authorities said.
Firefighters responded around midnight Sunday to reports of burning grass and brush near East Dunne Road, near the lake. The fire spread rapidly as crews attempted to control it.
Persistent smoke in it also causes officials to issue an air quality notice on Sunday for smoking in the southern tip of the Bay, including Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy.
“Fireworks sparked fireworks across the region by fireworks over the July 4 holiday weekend. Current dry, hot and windy conditions increase the risk of grass and brush fires, ”the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said in a statement. “The Air District will closely monitor air quality throughout the region to detect smoke impacts from fires and fireworks.”
The statement said that onshore winds were expected to be light and to become stronger during the day. Satellite images showed that smoke is being channeled outside of the Santa Clara Valley region. Impacts could include smoky skies, the smell of smoke, and localized contamination by elevated particles. Officials advise people to stay inside.
Cal Fire deputy director Mike Marcucci said there were no reports of injury or property damage until Sunday morning.
About 10 residences were evacuated early Sunday on Finley Ridge Road. There was a road closure on East Dunne Road before Anderson Lake, Marcucci said.
Marcucci added that more than 300 firefighters, 40 fire trucks, three helicopters and four tankers had been deployed to fight the fire.
The overnight fire started when dozens of other small fires burned in the Bay Area after a long night of thunderous and unforgiving fireworks celebrating Independence Day. Marcucci said it was too early to say exactly what started the Morgan Hill fire.
Check back for updates.
