Govind Tekale
A fast-moving brush fire that sparked Tuesday afternoon in the East San Jose foothills has been largely contained, with most evacuation orders now lifted as firefighters gain the upper hand on the blaze.
The fire, named the Ranch Place Fire, started around 4:17 p.m. on June 17 near Ranch Place and Old Piedmont Road in the Alum Rock area. It quickly spread through dry vegetation in the hilly terrain, growing from just 10 acres to nearly 100 acres within hours.
As of Wednesday evening, Cal Fire reports the fire is 75% contained, with forward progress stopped. The blaze ultimately burned between 92 and 100 acres, according to varying reports from fire officials.
“This taught me that the fire can move pretty quickly just because of the brush,” said resident Peter Knazko, who witnessed the fire burning across the street from his home. “The smoke was so bad it was hard to breathe.”
The rapid spread prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for three zones near Sierra Road (SJS-033, SJS-034, and SJS-051). Piedmont Hills High School was established as an evacuation center for displaced residents.
Most evacuation orders have since been lifted, though warnings remain in place for zones SJS-033 and SJS-034. Eight specific addresses on Sierra Road in the 3600 and 3700 blocks remain under mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters continue securing the area.
The firefighting effort has been substantial, with 170 personnel, 41 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 dozers, and 2 hand crews deployed to battle the blaze. Air tankers from throughout California provided critical air support, dropping fire retardant to help contain the flames.
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“Resources will be committed through the night working on securing and implementing containment lines,” Cal Fire stated in their latest update. The unified command structure between Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit and the San Jose Fire Department has coordinated the response efforts.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been damaged, despite the fire’s proximity to homes in the area.
The cause of the Ranch Place Fire remains under investigation. While officials haven’t speculated on potential causes, brush fires in California are typically sparked by human activity (like discarded cigarettes, equipment sparks, or vehicle malfunctions) or natural events such as lightning strikes.
The fire occurred during conditions that favor rapid spread – dry vegetation in the foothills combined with warm temperatures created an environment where flames could quickly advance across the landscape.
While this fire has been brought largely under control, it serves as a reminder of California’s ongoing vulnerability to wildfires. The state has experienced increasingly destructive fire seasons in recent years, with climate factors contributing to longer periods of fire risk.
For residents in fire-prone areas, creating defensible space around homes by clearing flammable vegetation and implementing fire-resistant building materials can significantly reduce vulnerability. Emergency preparedness, including evacuation plans and emergency kits, remains essential for those living in wildfire-risk zones.
Officials continue to monitor the Ranch Place Fire closely, and crews will remain on scene until full containment is achieved.
