San Jose Grapples with Alarming Spike in Willow Glen Arson Attacks

San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood is reeling from a series of arson attacks that have left residents and business owners deeply unsettled.

 

Since mid-December, at least 24 vehicles have been deliberately set ablaze, with the most recent incident occurring just after midnight on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

 

In this latest attack, 11 vehicles were torched across five locations, including six cars at Adem's Test Only and Willow Glen Auto Electric on Almaden Road near Highway 87.

 

Surveillance footage from the scene shows a man dismounting a bicycle and igniting the vehicles.

 

Nearby business owner Juan Murrieta expressed his alarm, stating, "Those loud booms felt really intimidating, so it was pumping up my heart. It was scary."

 

His family's repair shop also captured footage of a man on a bike moments before the fires erupted.

 

The San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the San Jose Police Department.

 

Arson investigators are working to determine if these incidents are connected to previous fires in the area.

 

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the SJFD arson tip line at 408-272-7766.

 

Community members are on high alert, with many expressing concern over the escalating situation.

 

San Jose resident Antonia Smith remarked, "It's scary, you know, if somebody is willing to do this, at this extremity, like what are they going to do next?"

 

The SJFD continues to investigate these incidents and urges anyone with information to come forward.

 

As the community grapples with these unsettling events, the hope is that increased vigilance and cooperation will lead to the apprehension of those responsible and restore peace to the Willow Glen neighborhood.