Midpen Ranger on Patrol
First to Report the Fire
Published August 6, 2026
On the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, a fire was sparked in the Mt. Umunhum Trail area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. A Midpen Ranger on routine patrol was the first to notice and report the smoke. The fire burned approximately one-third of an acre before being quickly put out by a multi-agency effort.
"It is because of Midpen staff's diligence, vigilance and effective, prompt coordination and response that the fire was contained," Midpen General Manager Ana Ruiz said. "I want to thank our rangers and personnel and fire response personnel for their work and care."
Santa Clara County Fire, San Jose Fire and CalFire responded within minutes, including a helicopter as air support. The fire was contained and extinguished within a few hours. Midpen rangers quickly evacuated the Sierra Azul Preserve trails and parking areas out of an abundance of caution.
Midpen's water tender truck was used afterwards in the monitoring phase to douse the area and prevent any potential flare-ups. There was no damage to infrastructure or injuries. The cause of the fire is being investigated, though it is suspected to be human caused.
Learn more about Midpen's Wildland Fire Resiliency Program at openspace.org/fire.