*Last updated at 2:05pm, May 15, 2025
The Highway 17 section between Idylwild Road and Redwood Estates known as Moody Curve (because it passes over Moody Gulch) was the site of an unexpected field trip stop this morning.
According to authorities, a southbound bus carrying 32 school-aged children and five adults burst into flames, which resulted in a multi-agency emergency response.
“We didn’t have any injuries—that’s something we can say as a positive,” said Officer Ross Lee of the CHP’s San Jose Station.
Someone reported smoke coming from the bus at 8:59am.
At 9:03am, three fire engines, a water truck and a larger rescue vehicle were dispatched to the scene.
SCCFD Cpt. Justin Stockman said a report of smoke coming from the back and front of the shuttle—and the fact at least some of it was black—is what caused the department to send out a larger contingent than they would for a normal vehicle fire this time of year.
“It must have been pretty well-established at that point,” he said. “That’s what triggered a more robust response from the department.”
Engine 84 arrived on scene at 9:07am.
“Thanks to the quick actions of the driver and chaperones, all passengers were safely evacuated before firefighters arrived,” an SCCFD spokesperson posted on its Facebook page. “Firefighters from multiple stations responded, quickly contained the fire, and ensured the safety of everyone on scene. A second bus arrived shortly after to transport the children.”
County fire crews remained on scene to mop up and southbound traffic in the area was expected to remain sluggish for some time.
“We are grateful for the coordinated response from our fire crews, CHP, EMS, and partner agencies,” reads the SCCFD post. “This incident is a strong reminder of the importance of readiness and calm under pressure.”
Ross said the adults involved seem to have handled the situation in a textbook manner.
“Anytime if we have a bus or a vehicle smoking,” he said, “that’s what we advise: move out of the lanes; move to the shoulder. It does appear that’s what happened.”
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
However, the initial investigation indicated a fire in the engine compartment spread to other areas of the bus.
“There is substantial damage to the bus,” Stockman said. “It’s gonna be a total loss.”
When asked whether the Class A foam used to extinguish the flames could get into the Los Gatos Creek watershed and cause problems, Stockman said he doesn’t believe the amount used would result in any issues.
“We’re adding the foam at a very very low concentration—at about .1%,” he said, noting something more along the lines of a five-gallon spill would be more of a problem. “We do always weigh those things.”
Stockman said the incident demonstrates that it’s important to review safety information, even on normal school trips. He commended the chaperones and the driver for their cool-headed actions.
“Those are the heroes,” he said. “Those are adults that deserve recognition and commendation.”
SCCFD said the students were elementary aged.
Both Los Gatos Union School District and Saratoga Union School District officials said none of their students were on the bus.
