Los Gatos park fire started by a firework, county fire department says

Blaze covered half an acre in the 17-acre Los Gatos park.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department identified a recent fire at Belgatos Park in Los Gatos to be the result of a firework.

The fire, which started the evening of June 25, covered half an acre of the 17-acre park and did not threaten any structures or result in any reported injuries, a spokesperson for the department said. Firefighters were dispatched to the park that day at 8:12 p.m. after reports of smoke in the area, and had declared the fire under control by 10:24 p.m.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued its fifth Spare the Air alert of the year on July 9, and County Fire advised the public to exercise caution during this summer’s recent spell of hot, dry weather.

“Avoid activities that could start a fire including using illegal fireworks and operating machinery that can produce sparks,” county fire information specialist Erica Ray said in an email.