Mid-afternoon, February 28, FASCV member John Whiteside was at San Jose Fire Station 35 putting away rehab supplies and setting up a GPS unit in Fire Support Unit 3, which is housed there. About 1510 hours, San Jose dispatched a full first alarm (3 engines, 2 trucks, 2 BCs and Med 30) to a house fire in the northeast section of town. First arriving units reported heavy black smoke from a triplex, single-family house at 1793 Commodore Drive, cross street of Cape Jasmine Place. A fire attack was initiated but soon the fire became defensive, fought with master streams from the elevated ladders. A 2nd alarm was requested bringing additional engines, truck, BC, and the breathing support unit.
John remained at Station 35 monitoring the radio and from the reports he sensed, even though it had not gone to a 3rd alarm, the usual trigger for Fire Associates dispatch, we would be requested due to the extent of the operation.
At approximately 1620 hours, John heard radio discussion between Med 30 and the Incident Commander on the need for Fire Associates, and then the request for Dispatch to notify us. John immediately replied via radio to acknowledge the request and initiate a response. About 1630, he departed Station 35 in FSU 3. After arriving on scene and setting up near Rehab, he was soon joined by George Hoyt, Jerry Haag, and Mike Chappell. Later, Jerry and George picked up food for 30+ fire personnel, and after supporting the meal process, FSU 3 was released. John got home around 2120 hours. The Red Cross assisted the displaced occupants.
- An ABC7 news story and photo is at: Firefighters Injued in House Fire
- A KTVU 2 news story and photo is at: Fire Contained in San Jose
