San Jose propane yard fire that led to evacuations investigated
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Neighborhood evacuations and freeway closures are now lifted in San Jose after a powerful fire at an abandoned propane yard late Sunday night.
Firefighters received a call shortly before 11 p.m. to the plant.
A vegetation fire was burning into the abandoned yard, which contained dozens of propane tanks. Three or four tanks were leaking propane, so firefighters doused them with water to cool them down.
San Jose Fire Capt. Mike Van Elgort says they closed a nearby section of Interstate 280 for about 20 minutes due to the fire and risk of explosions.
Homes and businesses near 6th and E. Virginia streets were evacuated as crews battled the fire.
The property is owned by a Pennsylvania company, which was fined back in May for having a dangerous building.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
