Vegetation fires burn along I-280 and Hwy 17 in San Jose, heavily impacting traffic
Vegetation fires burning next to Interstate Highway 280 and State Hwy 17 in San Jose seriously impacted traffic in the South Bay Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The San Jose Fire Department said one fire was burning between Parkmoor Avenue and I-280, west of the city's midtown. On social media, the department said forward progress had been stopped as of 2:20 p.m.
#SJFD crews are responding to a vegetation fire between Parkmoor Ave. and 280. Fire approximately one acre in size and forward progress has been stopped. No structures threatened. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/PZniUDPKPS
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) December 14, 2023
While that fire was under control, there were later reports of a second fire along southbound Highway 17 past I-280. Both incidents were having an impact on traffic in the area.
The fires forced the closure of the connectors between northbound I-280 and both southbound Highway 17 and northbound I-880, as well as the two right lanes of southbound Highway 17 between I-280 and Hamilton Avenue.
Right two lanes of 17S between 280 and Hamilton Ave. are also shut down. #SJFD pic.twitter.com/BDCne87kgc
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) December 14, 2023
Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes and proceed with caution around personnel and equipment during the closures. Shortly before 6 p.m., all lanes and connectors had reopened.
No structures were threatened in the fire, the department said. People were urged to avoid the area.
There was no immediate word on what caused the fire.