Sunday, January 13, 2013

House Fire In San Jose Foothills - FASCV's 2nd Fire of the Day

   
Photo By Juan Diaz
At 1520 hours, on Jan. 13, the San Jose Fire Department dispatched a full first alarm to 3854 Higuera Road, between Balcom and Quail Canyon Roads. Located up in the eastern foothills, smoke and flames were reported coming from the shake roof of a 2-story residence. First-in fire units reported visible flames and smoke upon departing their stations. Water supply was a problem as was access.
  
At arrival of the first unit, the roof was completely afire and falling into the upper story. A defensive attack was begun and a second alarm was called as exposures were threatened, along with a small grass fire. San Joses 3 water tenders were used to shuttle water to the scene. There was also at least one large-diameter hose lay.
  
FASCV member John Whiteside was monitoring the dispatch and upon hearing the event unfold, realized a Fire Support Unit would probably be needed. He called fire dispatch, asked if the Incident Commander wanted an FSU. The answer was "YES", so John went to SJ Station 35 to drive FSU 3 to the scene. He departed at 1625 and was soon joined on-scene by Jerry Haag, Dan Wong and guest, Walter Huber. This was the second fire response of the day for FASCV members.
  
Med 30 requested meals for 50, so Jerry drove down the hill to pick up the food. The FSU provided coffee, hot chocolate, Clif bars, water, and 2 folding bench sets. Tables and lighting were set up for the meals. The weather was cooling down and the hot drinks were in demand.
 
The FSU was released at 2030 and, after John had restocked the FSU, including potable water in the tank and gasoline for the generator, it was 2150 when he left the station for home.
-- Report submitted by John Whiteside