Crews Fire Containment Grows to 70 Percent As Deep Marine Layer Aids Firefighters

GILROY (CBS SF) -- The Crews fire burning near Gilroy was 70 percent contained by Wednesday night, according to Cal Fire. Firefighters were working overnight to build new containment lines. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

A thick layer of cool, foggy coastal weather continue to provide favorable conditions to the hundreds of firefighers battling the blaze.

The fire has charred 5,400 acres.

"Crews worked overnight building new containment lines," fire officials said in a press release Wednesday morning. "Mop and removal of hazard trees will continue where control lines have been completed. Challenging terrain has the potential to create additional fire growth. Deep marine layers in the morning and the overnight will provide favorable firefighting conditions."

The foggy conditions did not linger long Wednesday morning so the air battle against the fire continued.

The fire was initially reported at 1:52 p.m. Sunday near Crews Road and Sunlit Oaks Court, prompting evacuations from state Highway 152
north to Gilroy Hot Springs and southeast to Prunedale Avenue.

The evacuation center set up at the Gilroy Senior Center has been closed. Fire officials said evacuees who need housing assistance as a result of the blaze to call the American Red Cross at (866) 272-2237.

No injuries have been reported to firefighters or civilians as a result of the fire.

Cal Fire asks drivers to proceed cautiously in the area and yield for emergency personnel.