Fire near Gilroy almost contained

A wildfire not far from Gilroy nearly reached full containment Friday morning, and all road closures in the area were called off as minimal fire activity was expected, officials said.

More accurate mapping of the Crews Fire, which started Sunday afternoon near Crews Road and Oak Spring Circle, indicated the blaze has burned 5,513 acres instead of the previously reported 5,400 acres, according to Cal Fire.

More than 800 firefighters have responded this week to help increase containment to 90% by Friday morning. Roughly 499 fire personnel from numerous agencies remained working Friday.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Jas Shaw said firefighters expect to reach full containment soon. .

“They are still trying to close out the last little bit of fire line,” Shaw said. “But it’s looking good.”

Good weather has helped firefighters, who were mostly spared difficulties aside from terrain and trying to keep distance between firefighters because of coronavirus precautions.

“It’s been pretty favorable conditions,” Shaw said.

A completed assessment of the damage showed that one structure was destroyed and none was damaged. Cal Fire previously reported one structure had been damaged.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A brush fire closed all lanes of Interstate 580 at the Altamont Pass early Friday morning, but the roadway was reopened around 4:30 a.m., officials said.

“They are still trying to close out the last little bit of fire line.”

Jas Shaw, Cal Fire spokeswoman