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Photo By Bruce Dembecki
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On Friday, June 29, around 4:00 P.M., the San Jose Fire Department received
reports of smoke in the area around the Hellyer Park Velodrome, at Hellyer County Park. As
soon as Engine 18 left the station they could see a column of smoke and called
for a TIER 1 response. On scene, Engine 18 discovered a fire burning in a grass
field near the Velodrome and went to work trying to extinguish. A TIER 2
response was called as the windy conditions quickly pushed the flames around the large
field.
In the south west corner of the field, the flames came close to residences
and damaged fences on two properties. But, quick action from fire crews prevented
any more serious loss.
In addition to the TIER 2 response, Battalion 13 also requested some
assistance from a Cal Fire engine driving past, and also Cal Fire Copter 106 and
a Cal Fire bulldozer from Morgan Hill. Fire Associates was also called to the
scene to provide hydration and rehab to crews.
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Photo By Bruce Dembecki
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Bruce Dembecki arrived on scene with Fire Support Unit 3 around 5:10 P.M. just
as San Jose's Med 30 was being called away to a structure fire a few miles to
the north. With Med 30 gone, and the fire reduced to a few smoldering patches, the
IC asked if we could take Support Unit 3 around the fire ground and provide food
and drink to the crews in the field.
Meanwhile, Fire Associates member Dan Wong had arrived on scene and was sent
to collect meals for the San Jose fire crews. Several hours and 30 Burritos
later, the incident was over and Support Unit 3 was released around 8:00pm. The
fire totaled around six acres.
- Bruce's photos can be viewed at: Hellyer Park Velodrome Fire
- A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at: Hellyer Brush Fire
