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Fast-Moving Brush Fire Burns Hills Above Milpitas

MILPITAS (CBS SF) -- A brush fire burning near Ed R. Levin County Park grew to 322 acres Sunday evening, but firefighters assisted by an aggressive air attack had gained 40 percent containment and no homes were being threatened.

The County Fire, which started near Country Club Drive and North Park Victoria Road around 1:30 p.m., was burning in steep terrain and being fueled by windy conditions and tinder-dry grasslands.

Four air tankers and two helicopters assisted battling the fire in the hills between Milpitas and Fremont and had the potential to grow to 500 acres, Cal Fire Assistant Division Chief Jim Crawford said.

One structure has been destroyed, and about 10 more are threatened, Cal Fire spokesman Jonathan Cox said. Two ranches off Weller Road east of Ed R. Levin park, have been evacuated; Weller Road north of Calaveras Road and Downing Road north of Old Calaveras Road remained closed Sunday night.

Ed R. Levin County Park is located in the chaparral foothills of the Diablo Range east of the Santa Clara Valley. It is the largest park in Milpitas and a popular location for hang gliding.

Crews from the Milpitas, Spring Valley Volunteer, San Jose and Fremont fire departments are also helping fight the fire, and several law enforcement agencies are helping manage the various fire scenes.

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