SAN JOSE — Multiple brush fires near San Jose highways that broke out Thursday afternoon were as a result of suspected arsons, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The San Jose Fire Department confirmed a brush fire between Parkmoor Avenue and Interstate 280 at 2:20 p.m. Thursday. While the blaze forced brief lane and ramp closures, all were reopened by 6 p.m., according to a SigAlert.
#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
On Friday morning, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that the fire and several other small fires in the area were being investigated as possible arsons.
CHP spokesperson Ross Lee told the Bay Area News Group that Santa Clara Sheriff’s deputies arrested an individual Thursday evening on suspicion of an unrelated crime, and that person was being investigated in connection to the fires on Friday.
“We can’t confirm whether that was the person that started the fires or not at this time,” Lee said.