Gilroy Ballybunion Fire, Day 3: Containment Up As Firefight Continues

GILROY, CA — Fire crews battling the Ballybunion Fire in Gilroy achieved 45-percent containment Tuesday afternoon, according to Cal Fire. As the firefight heads into its third night, Cal Fire Santa Clara County Unit Spokeswoman Pam Temmermand said the blaze remains at 100 acres, with no damage to structures and no further injuries reported.

"There was no significant fire growth today," Temmermand said in a 5:21 p.m. update about the "Bally" fire.

Currently, 296 firefighters are assigned to the wildfire, which broke out just after 7 p.m. Sunday in the hills above the Eagle Ridge housing development on the west side of Gilroy. Since its onset, no evacuation orders have been issued but crews are staged near homes in the event conditions change.

"Firefighters continue to work to establish and maintain containment lines, while also providing for structure defense to prevent the loss of personal property," Temmermand said. "Cooler overnight temperatures, and higher relative humidities will result in less intense fire activity. Firefighters will continue to build containment lines through the night."

While there have been reports that the blaze may have been sparked by fireworks, the cause remains under investigation.

Cal Fire, Gilroy Fire Department, Gilroy Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Gilroy Department of Public Works and Parks pooling their efforts and resources toward management of the incident.

"Helicopters will continue water drops today while dozers and hand crews continue to work on establishing and maintaining containment lines," Gilroy city officials said Tuesday morning.

Smoke from the blaze was continuing to affect air quality, with city officials advising residents to remain indoors with their doors and windows closed.

The closure of Santa Teresa Boulevard between Miller Avenue and south of Club Drive was lifted Tuesday morning but remains subject to closure to accommodate emergency vehicles, city officials said.

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Residents should also note:

• The Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park is closed to accommodate base camp for Cal Fire. The south side of the park remains open to the public.
• The walking path through the Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park to Solorsano Middle School is closed to all foot traffic to secure the park for the base camp.
• Nature and Nurture early childhood recreation classes in the TEEC Building have been relocated. Please call 408-846-0460 for more information regarding these classes.
• Solarsano Middle School students should make alternate arrangements for travel to and from Solarsano Middle School as all access from the Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park will be closed to walkers and drivers, no school drop offs or pickups will be allowed in or near the park.

City officials again asked residents to refrain from bringing donations to Eagle Ridge, Ballybunion or any of the local fire stations, but said if needs arise the community will be notified.

Article photo contributed by Gilroy resident Toshi Matsui