Wind-Whipped Wildfire Engulfs Homeless Encampment Near SJ Mineta International Airport
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) - Firefighters battled a 100-acre brush fire Friday that engulfed an homeless encampment near San Jose Mineta International Airport.
Crews responded to the fire around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Coleman Avenue and University Avenue, according to the San Jose Fire Department.
Fire units on scene fighting a wind driven fire in the area of Coleman and Taylor. Several hours before full containment. 1 civilian injury. No firefighters injured thus far.... pic.twitter.com/dQ65jlJtRD
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) May 30, 2020
It quickly spread through the encampment near the Guadalupe River, burning at least one vehicle, several makeshift shelters and tents. The San Jose Mercury News reported that a handful of homeless residents were rushing through the camp, gathering their belongings and trying to save what they can.
Vincent Hayes, a man who lived in the encampment, told the Mercury News that residents "heard a bang" and "within a minute, it just tore right through (the encampment)."
Large billows of smoke filled the sky and could be seen from miles away.
Coleman Avenue has been closed between West Heading Street and Emory Street, and West Heading Street is closed between Spring and Chestnut streets.
Officials reported that one camp resident had been injured in the blaze.
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