Update: Bally Fire 100 percent controlled

UPDATE: 9/12/2017 3:01 p.m. The Ballybunion wildfire is now 100 percent controlled according to officials in Gilroy.

Fire crews have wrapped up their work in the area and repaired damage caused by fighting the fire.

Gilroy officials said, “Residents may be interested in knowing that more than 30,000 gallons of water were dropped by helicopters and more than 30,000 feet of hose laid throughout the hillsides during this incident.”

PREVIOUS STORY: 9/7/2017 7:59 p.m.:
Police said the Ballybunion wildfire in Gilroy was caused by teens who were playing with illegal fireworks.

Officials said a total of four teens were seen playing with illegal fireworks described as “firecrackers” on a hillside near the 1900 block of Ballybunion Court.

That’s when a fire started and it soon spread out of control, officials said.

The fire is now fully contained.

UPDATE 9/7/2017 5:30 p.m.:

Cal Fire officials say the Ballybunion Fire burning in Gilroy is now 100-percent contained. Several firefighters will remain on scene to continue fire line repair.

UPDATE: 9/7/2017 9:26 a.m.

Firefighters said the Ballybunion Fire in Gilroy didn’t grow overnight, but containment did.

According to the Santa Clara unit of Cal Fire, the “Bally Fire” remained around 100 acres, and containment had jumped to 90 percent. Officials expect full containment by Friday, Sept. 8, 2017.

Cal Fire said no structures are threatened.

The fire initially started on September 3, the cause is still under investigation.

PREVIOUS STORY:

9/5/17 8:00 AM: Firefighters say the Ballybunion Fire in Gilroy didn’t grow much overnight, but containment did. According to the Santa Clara unit of Cal Fire, the “Bally Fire” remained at 100 acres, and containment had jumped to 35 percent. Officials expect full containment by Friday, Sept. 8, 2017.

Fire officials had previous warned the fire could grow dramatically if the wind changed direction. Steep, rugged terrain and gusty winds remain a problem for firefighters.

Cal Fire says no structures are threatened.

PREVIOUS STORY: As of Monday evening, the Ballybunion Fire in Gilroy has burned 100 acres and is 10 percent contained, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Pam Temmermand. Late Monday, Temmermand also said the fire has the potential to grow up to 3,000 acres. Though, that is all dependent on the weather conditions, mainly wind.

As a result of this fire, officials say, the air quality in the Gilroy area is very poor and recommend people stay indoors for safety.

The blaze, which is burning above the Eagle Ridge housing development, grew overnight to 100 acres, according to Gilroy Police. At least 100 firefighters from across the region are battling the vegetation fire, and they are dealing with some rugged and steep terrain. One firefighter suffered a minor injury late Sunday after he lost his footing and fell 40 feet in the darkness. He was sent to St. Louise Hospital to get checked out. Remarkably, he is going to be ok, according to Mary Gutierrez with the Gilroy Fire Department.

Helicopter water drops began early Monday morning to assist the efforts, just as replacement crews, including five additional hand crews, arrived.

No homes or structures are threatened at this time, however fire crews have asked residents to avoid the area to allow for emergency vehicle access. Santa Teresa Boulevard between Miller Avenue and south of Club Drive will remain closed throughout the day. Cal Fire will be setting up a base camp along the the Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park which is now closed to the public. The south side of the park is still open for the time being.

Preschool classes in the Teak Building will be relocated starting tomorrow. Solarsano Middle School pick ups and drop offs will not be allowed at the Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park.

We will continue to update information throughout the day and will have more at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. 10 p.m and 11 p.m.