June 20, 2008 -- San Jose Third-Alarm Response

At approximately 8:00 P.M. on the longest day of the year, FASCV was paged by the San Jose Fire Department to a 3-alarm house fire near the intersection of Curtner and Meridian. Located at 2417 and 2425 Westpark Drive, the fire actually involved 2 houses. Apparently starting in the yard between the two structures, the fire spread to the fences and then got under the eaves of both buildings. Not helping the firefighting effort was the heavy shake roof of one of the houses.

Although reporterd to be a 2-alarm fire, because of the very hot weather, a third alarm was called so Engine 17 could provide downwind "bran patrol". With the day's temperature down just a little from the triple-digit high, firefighters were glad to have some of FASCV's lemonade on hand. Bottles and bottles of water were also consumed. On hand for FASCV were members Don Gilbert (who brought Support Unit 2), Fred Oehm, George Hoyt and your "Blog Master", John Whitaker. After extensive overhaul, FASCV was released shortly after 10:30 P.M.

News stories can be read at: KTVU News and CBS5 News

John Whitaker's photos are at: SJS - Westpark Drive Fire

July Monthly Meeting Canceled

At the June meeting, it was decided by the FASCV membership that the monthly meeting for July should be canceled. Concerns were raised about the date's (Thurs., July 3) close proximity to the Fourth of July Holiday. The next monthly meeting will be held on Thurs., August 7. Watch this blog for details.

May 21, 2008 -- Tier 3 Grass Fire in San Jose

On Wednesday evening, May 21, Fire Associates was paged by San Jose Fire to a tier-3 grass fire. Located near the intersection of East Capital Expwy. and Tuers Road. Responding to the 5:20 P.M. page were Don Gilbert and John Whiteside in Support Unit 2. Also on scene were FASCV members George Hoyt, Mike Chappell and John Whitaker. The fire burned an area south of Capital Expressway and was spread quickly by strong winds. San Jose Fire, with the help of Cal Fire and Copter 106 had the fire under control within two hours. Fire Associates helped with the ordering, pick-up and delivery of pizzas to hungry firefighters that responded to the dinner-hour event.

To see John Whitaker's photos, go to this link: Tier-3 Grass Fire