Crime & Safety

Fire Shuts Down Highway 101 In San Martin, Destroys Structures

Southbound 101 was closed Wednesday evening because of smoke from the Church Fire, a blaze that destroyed multiple structures.

SANTA CLARA VALLEY, CA — UPDATED: Smoke from a fire Wednesday afternoon in San Martin prompted the closure of southbound U.S. Highway 101, California Highway Patrol reported. The blaze broke out at about 4:12 p.m. near Church Avenue, just off the 101, dispatchers said.

Multiple structures burned in the fire, according to reports.

A Sig-alert was issued at about 6 p.m. for southbound 101 at San Martin Avenue because of smoke blowing across the southbound lanes, making it difficult for drivers to see the roadway.

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CHP said northbound lanes would remain open and officers would be providing "round robins" for motorists.

Masten Avenue was closed between 101 and Monterey Highway, according to CHP.

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Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean said as of 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had burned 20 acres and was 60 percent contained.

Highway 101 was open again as of 7:50 p.m., according to the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services.

A mixture structures are in the fire area, which is rural and includes ranch farmland. McLean said crews did not know yet how many structures were damaged.

McLean said no injuries were reported.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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