The first day of October found the Gilroy Fire Department fighting a fire in a small house located at 335 Old Gilroy Street. John Whiteside was listening to his radio scanner and upon hearing a fast upgrade to 2nd alarm, he started listening a little more closely. Soon, he heard additional requests for even more equipment. So, being proactive, he called Gilroy and asked if they wanted a Fire Support Unit. Dispatch reached the IC and called back, saying, "Yes, please come down." John contacted Sonitrol and a page was sent out at 3:17 P.M. to all FASCV members.
John responded in FSU-3 and was joined on scene by FASCV members Bruce Dembecki, John Whitaker and Herman DeKruyff.
Although the involved structure was relatively small, because of its close proximity of other houses, a third alarm was eventually called. The fire ran the entire attic of the home and spread throughout the residence. Even after the fire had been declared under control, firefighters spent considerable time on the roof gaining access to pockets of smoldering shingles and roofing material.
- John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at: Gilroy Structure Fire
- Bruce's photos can be seen at: Old Gilroy Road Fire
