Santa Teresa Hills arson fires nearly contained.
Fire department says blazes burned approximately 90 acres
At least one suspect has been detained as crews on Friday were close to containing half a dozen fires that were intentionally set in the Santa Teresa Hills on Thursday, authorities said. San Jose Fire Department spokeswoman Erica Ray said the fires had burned closed to 90 acres and were expected to be fully contained by Friday afternoon. The blazes originally were reported about 5:50 p.m. Thursday near Colleen Drive and Chesbro Avenue. San Jose fire Capt. Brian Palodichuk said the fires were set within 2-5 miles of each other. In a tweet Thursday night, the Fire Department said crews would be working through the night. Early Friday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention said that rising humidity had helped firefighters’ efforts. Palodichuk said on Thursday that someone had “intentionally” started the fire, and San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia confirmed that at least one suspect had been detained. The blazes threatened homes in the area, and all residents west of Graystone Lane to Pfeiffer Ranch and Deer Hollow drives were ordered to evacuate, Palodichuk said. An evacuation center briefly was opened at the Almaden Community Center at 6445 Camden Ave. The evacuation order was lifted at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dispatched two air tankers to the scene, Palodichuk said, and the Santa Clara County Fire Department provided assistance.