July 25, 2010 -- 2nd 3-Alarmer of the Day for SJ Fire

While five members of Fire Associates were busy at a 3-alarm fire on Hamilton Ave., radio traffic for a second 3-alarm fire caught everyone's attention. Smoke was reported pouring out of an apartment at a senior assisted-living complex at 2094 Forest Ave. As soon as it was clear that the new incident was escalating, Jerry Haag, Ron Green and George Hoyt proactively left the Hamilton scene ahead of San Jose Fire's page for assistance. Jerry responded in Support Unit 1, while the others went to the fire scene. They were joined by FASCV's newest member, Dan Wong.

Jerry has submitted this report:

Date: 25 July 2010
Time: 0450 Sonitrol dispatch, 0515 arrival, released at 0630.
Type: Structure Fire
Size: Third alarm
Jurisdiction: San Jose
Location: 2094 Forest Ave.

Details: Fire was in the multi-story Miranda Villa Senior Apartments. It was confined to the room of origin and quickly extinguished. However, smoke spread necessitated the movement of many elderly residents to a place of refuge.

Responding Members: Haag (driver), Green, Hoyt, Wong

Fire Support Unit Responding: FSU-1

• The San Jose Mercury-News reported:
  
  "Miranda Villa Senior Apartments in San Jose were evacuated early Sunday after a stovetop fire began in the kitchen of an elderly woman who lived in the assisted living facility. She was taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. The fire occurred about 4:20 a.m. at the senior apartments, located at 2094 Forest Ave. About 150 residents, most of whom are in their 80s, were evacuated as a safety precaution. A SJFD spokjesperson said residents were let back into the building about 90 minutes after fire crews arrived."

-- Above photo by M. Melligan