House Fire In Milpitas Requires Two Alarms

    

Photo by John Whitaker

Late Tuesday morning, March 24, the Milpitas Fire Department responded to a house fire in a residential neighborhood just north of Dixon Rd. Located at 186 Autrey Street, first reports of the fire came in shortly before 10:50 A.M. The blaze was described as burning in the roof and attic space of the house.

First arriving fire crews from Station 86 found flames rolling out of the structure and a large column of smoke was visible. Since a "full structure response" pretty much involves all of Milpitas' fire apparatus, a second alarm was called for additional manpower and station backfill. Units from San Jose and Fremont responded to fill out that need. Milpitas Fire Department spokesman, Sean Simonson, said the cause of the fire is under investigation, but that nobody was trapped in the structure, there were no injuries, and anyone who was inside the single-family home was able to get out safely.

With the second alarm request, Fire Associates members were paged to the scene. Mike Garcia went to get Fire Support Unit 1 while John Whitaker left his home to go directly to the scene. Once at the fire, John was able to status the need for rehab with BC Jason Schoonover. A location for the support unit was scouted out, and when Mike arrived, rehab was quickly set up with a table, benches, drinks and snacks. As it became obvious that the extensive overhaul operation was going to extend into the lunch hour, Milpitas PIO Sean Simonson arranged for sandwiches to be delivered. They were quickly consumed by tired and grateful firefighters.

In the category of "find a job and fill it", John and Mike spent part of their time protecting a 2-inch hose line that had been laid from a hydrant on Arizona Ave. to the fire scene. Although cones had been put out, vehicles were constantly driving over the brand new fire hose. John and Mike were able to protect the line by getting drivers to make u-turns and take an alternate route.

As the operation wound down, and hose lines were picked up, FASCV was released from the scene at approximately 1:45 P.M.

• John's photos can be viewed at this link:  Autrey St. Fire
     
• A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  2-alarm Fire in Milpitas

-- Report Submitted by John Whitaker

San Jose Fire Responds to 3-Alarm Garage Blaze Near Downtown

    

Photo from San Jose Fire Department

On a damp and chilly mid-winter day, the San Jose Fire Department called for a structure response on North 9th Street near the city's downtown. The fire was burning to the rear of 229 N. 9th Street. First-arriving fire crews found a garage and multiple cars already fully involved.

   

With the fire going strong in the detached garage, the flames began to invade the 2-story house and firefighters had their hands full keeping it out of the Victorian-style structure. At the same time, the fire was also spreading to the two adjacent garages or sheds. A second alarm was called, followed by a precautionary third alarm because of the close proximity to century-old wood buildings.

   

With the third alarm, Fire Associates responded with Fire Support Unit 2. Driven by FASCV member John Whitaker, the Support Unit arrived on scene at approximately 11:00 AM. John was met by Bruce Dembecki and Mike Garcia who had already scouted out a location for Rehab across the street from the involved structure. They were also joined on scene later by FASCV member George Hoyt.

    

Photo by John Whitaker

Cold drinks and Clif Bars were quickly set out and it wasn't long before the IC requested for sandwiches to be ordered as the lunch hour was quickly approaching. Bruce and Mike went to a downtown Togo's location to pick up the meals and returned to find tired and hungry firefighters awaiting their arrival. The 45 sandwiches and assorted chips were greatly appreciated by the crews working overhaul.

    

Of course, as luck would have it, it began to rain heavily just as the lunches arrived. The serving table was quickly moved to a location under a nearby shade tree along with the portable benches and ice chests full of drinks. It was close quarters as everyone huddle out of the rain.

    

After everyone had been fed and the operation was winding down, FSU-2 was released back to quarters at approximately 2:00 P.M.

• John's photos can be viewed at:  3-Alarm Downtown Blaze
      
• A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  Downtown Garage Burns
       
• An NBC Bay Area report with photos and video can be viewed at:  3-Alarm Garage Fire

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker

New Radio Fund - $7,500 Remaining to Reach Our Goal

  

The conversion of Santa Clara County fire agencies to the new 700MHZ digital trunked systems is starting. Santa Clara City Fire and Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety will be the first to go to this system. As additional agencies convert, Fire Associates rig radios will be rendered obsolete. For safety and operational reasons, we must be able to communicate with our served agencies.
   
Previously, we have had surplus radios donated to us by various agencies or have funded them from our own resources.  However, surplus radios are not available and new dual-band replacement radios for our four rigs will cost nearly $20,000.
   
We cannot fund that cost from current assets without seriously depleting our reserve funds. As a result, the Board of Directors has established the FASCV Radio Fund. Donations from members, firefighters, agencies, and benefactors will be greatly appreciated.
  
Currently, our fund raising total stands at $12,500.00.
  
Checks should be made payable to "FASCV" with a notation in the memo field indicating “Radio Fund” and sent to the attention of Cliff Smith,1307 S. Mary Ave., Ste. 250, Sunnyvale, CA 94087-3071. 
  
Donations may also be made by PayPal and additional mechanisms available at our web site: http://www.fascv.org/Donate.html. 
    

Fire Associates Responds to Sunnyvale House Fire

  
Date and Time: 02-24-2015, 0505 hours

Agency: Sunnyvale Public Safety

Incident Address: 1383 Fisherhawk Drive, Sunnyvale

Type: Two Alarms

  

Photo by Mike Garcia

Details: Approximately 1400 sq. ft. single-story, single-family dwelling. Patrol units responding to report of smoke smell in the neighborhood discovered a well-developed fire. Fire units arrived to a fire already venting through the roof. Large diameter hand lines and one elevated stream were deployed defensively. A nearby dwelling on the “B” exposure was starting to catch at the eaves but the fire was quickly knocked down and that structure sustained minimal damage. Later, a fatality was discovered in the structure of origin.

  

Agency Responders: 
SNY: E-41, 42, 43, 44, 243, 244; T-41,42; R-42; Batt-42 (Ahearn-IC) 
SNC: E-95, 97 (station fill)

MTV: E-54 (station fill)

   

FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-1. Arrived: 0615; Released 1300.

FASCV Responders: Bruce Dembecki, Mike Garcia (driver), Bob Gundrum, and Jerry Haag

   

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

5-Alarm Valentines Day Blaze Destroys Industrial Buildings

Photo By Craig Allyn Rose

Not exactly a "Valentines Day Massacre"... but, it was a "Valentines Day Conflagration!"

  

On this Valentines Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, Engine 5 was not only the first due Engine, but also the "reporting party" at a blaze not far from their station. Upon noticing a column of heavy smoke showing from their fire station, the crew requested a full first alarm dispatch. Shortly after arrival, a second alarm was requested.

  

Once on scene at 1039 Commercial Court, Engine 5 firefighters made a 2-1/2” hand line attack into the building backed up by second arriving Engine 16. Engine 1 was third arriving and initiated attack at the opposite end of the building.

   

Faced with a heavy fire loading and nearby exposures to similar large buildings on two sides, the IC declared a defensive operation and requested a third alarm -- followed shortly after by a request for a fourth alarm. The 3rd alarm request resulted in a page being sent to Fire Associates less than 20 minutes after Engine 5 first saw the smoke column.

  

Hand-line and deck gun attacks continued and two aerial streams were put into operation. At 8:47 A.M., the fifth and final alarm was requested. Special calls were made for HazMat units because of the nature of the occupancy and the large amount of fire water run-off.

 

The need for heavy overhaul was made necessary by the large amounts of combustible upholstery and other materials stored throughout the building.

 

Fire Associates Support Unit 2 provided Rehab services to personnel on the scene for a total of 8 hours. During the incident, Fire Associates served 5 dozen trans-fat-free donuts, and later in the day, fetched and served 70 burritos for lunch.

 

Agency Responders:

SJS: E-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 16, 23, 29 619; T-1, 2, 29, 30; S-18, 26, 30, 34; USAR-A&B; HIT-A&B; Command Van-1; Foam Unit-29; Air Unit-30; PP-26; Batt.-1 (Brown-IC), 2, 10, 29, Acting Div. Chief Ward

SNC: E-90, 94, 95; T-98

CNT: E-72: HM-72, BS-72; Batt. 83

MLP: Batt. 186

MTV: Batt. 51 (Alameda)

PAF: 6A3 (Capriles)

XSC: Med 10, 30; RMA Sup

 

In addition to the large presence on the fire ground, San Jose was assisted by additional crews from Milpitas, Santa Clara City Fire, and Santa Clara County Fire providing station coverage throughout San Jose.

 

FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-2. Arrived: 0745 (less than 50 minutes after the fire was first reported); Released 1535.

 

FASCV Responders: Mike Garcia, Don Gilbert (driver), Bob Gundrum, Jerry Haag, Dan Wong, and Jason Back (guest).

•  Photos by Craig Allyn Rose can be viewed at:  Commercial Ct. Fire

• A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  5-Alarm Blaze

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag and Bruce Dembecki

Late-Night Fire Displaces Four Mountain View Residents

 

Date and Time: 01-27-2015, 12:04 A.M.
Agency: Mountain View Fire
Incident Address: 428 Bella Corte, Mountain View
Type: Second Alarm
   
Details: Two-story, single-family house. Chimney fire. Four displaced. One blanket dispensed.
   
Agency Responders:
MTV: E-51, 53, 55; T-51; R-51; U-51; 18K2 (Garrett); 18A2 (Diaz); B-51 (Harvey-IC).
PAF: E-62, 64; B-66; BS-64 (cancelled).
SNY: T-41
XSC: Med-80.
  
FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-4. Arrived: 12:30 A.M.; Released 01:30 A.M.
FASCV Responders: Larry Carr (driver), Mike Garcia, and Jerry Haag

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

Fire Associates Responds to Gas Leak Incident in San Jose

    

Photo By John Whitaker

Construction projects don't always go the way they were planned.

Such was the case on Tuesday, January 20, when a construction crew hit a 4-inch gas line in front of 2160 Tully Road in San Jose. Located just to the north of the Eastridge Mall, gas was escaping from under the roadway with first-arriving fire crews got on scene.

  

Because the leak was in a large-size distribution line, the leak prompted the evacuation of 12 businesses on both sides of the street. This necessitated a full first alarm response from the San Jose Fire Department with the aid of  additional crews to help with the evacuation process. While engine companies poured water to help locate and dissipate the escaping gas, the entire 6-lane roadway was closed to traffic between Quimby Rd. and Capitol Expressway. With the busy commute hour approaching, this made for heavy traffic on the surrounding roads in the area.

  

At approximately 4:30 P.M., an hour and a half into the incident, the IC requested Fire Associates assistance at the scene. It had become obvious that this was going to be a long operation as PG&E crews first worked to determine how to proceed with the shutdown of the gas line, and then worked to excavate the site and get the gas shut off.

  

Don Gilbert and John Whiteside answered the request and responded to the scene in Fire Support Unit 2. While they were in route, FASCV member John Whitaker went to the scene in his personal vehicle. Access was extremely difficult as the roads in the area are divided by concrete curbing and traffic was backed up. In addition, key access points to the parking lots where the command center was located had been blocked off with cones and warning tape. With the help of firefighters, John eventually arrived at the command post and it was determined that this location was the best place for a rehab area. The challenge then was to get the Support Unit into the same site once it arrived on scene. Not an easy task!

  

Photo By John Whitaker

With the dinner hour approaching, and PG&E work progressing slowly, John Whitaker worked with the IC to get meals delivered to firefighters. Sandwiches were ordered by San Jose Fire Dispatchers from a nearby Togo's -- and then the challenge was getting out of the Command Post area and through traffic in order to pick up the food from a site that was less than a quarter mile away. Sounds easy -- but it wasn't.

  

Fifty sandwiches were eventually delivered to the firefighters on scene. They had already been taking advantage of Fire Associates' hot coffee, Gatorade, and Clif Bars. Needless to say, the sandwiches disappeared quickly to appreciative firefighters.

  

At approximately 7:30 P.M., after PG&E had stopped the flow of gas, Fire Associates was released from the incident. Fire crews had already been released as PG&E took over the entire operation. The roadway was expected to be closed through the night while repairs were made.

• John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at:  Tully Rd. Gas Leak
      
• A Bay City News, Inc. story and video can be seen at:  Major Gas Leak

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker

Three-Alarm Blaze Guts Abandoned San Jose Warehouse

     

Photo from the San Jose Fire Dept.

On January 14, which was a cool, 44-degree mid-winter morning, Fire Associates was paged to a 3-alarm fire at 380 Terraine Street. Located just north of San Jose Fire Station No. 1, the fire was burning in an large, abandoned industrial warehouse. The 1-square-block site included the involved 12,000-square-foot structure located on the southeast corner of Terraine Street and Bassett Street. 

     

First-arriving firefighters discovered that the entire bowed-truss roof was fully involved. A second alarm was quickly called to bring adequate equipment and personnel to the scene. A surround-and-drown strategy was initialed with Trucks 1, 29, and 30 providing aerial master streams. The IC for the incident was BC Joel Phelan, who happened to be working his last shift before retirement. What a way to go out!

    

When the third alarm was struck, Fire Associates was called for rehab assistance.  John Whiteside responded from Station 6 with Fire Support Unit 2, while John Whitaker went to the scene in his personal vehicle. After conferring with SJ Med30, Mike Van Elgort, a rehab location was decided upon in a parking lot across San Pedro Street from the fire. This was also the location of the incident command center. John and John were later joined by FASCV member Mike Garcia.

   

Photo by John Whitaker

When FSU-2 arrived on scene, a rehab area was established to provide hot coffee, hot chocolate, and Clif Bars to the fire crews as they were relieved. As a "surprise", a pink box or two of donuts were anonymously provided to the firefighters. Something about "...Joel's last shift."

  

When the fire was totally contained and under control, fire companies were put back into service and rehab was broken down by 7:10 A.M.

• John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at:  Warehouse Blaze

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker

Early Morning Response by Fire Associates to Gilroy Area

   

Photo By John Whiteside

Sunday morning, December 14, at 0139 hours, Morgan Hill CALFIRE paged Fire Associates for an abandoned structure fire at 3115 Pacheco Pass Highway (Highway 152), near Canada Road, east of Gilroy. This is the jurisdiction of the South Santa Clara County Fire District (SCC). John Whiteside’s pager activated at 0139 hours and he responded with Fire Support Unit 3 from south San Jose Station 35.

     

After purchasing donuts, John began the half-hour drive. He was met by guest Bill Roth, who lives in the area, and together they set up Rehab on the blocked west-bound lane of the highway. Lots of hot coffee, donuts and CLIF bars were welcomed by the firefighters in the cold morning. Fortunately, it was not raining at the time.

    

Photo By John Whiteside

Gilroy BC 47 and E 47 were first on scene. They were joined by CALFIRE B1620, SCC Engines 67,68,69, Water Tenders 67,68 and CDF Engines 1661, 1681. San Jose Engines 27 and 24 were also dispatched. E 27 was released shortly after arrival and E 24 provided station coverage in the District. The structure was totally involved so it became a “drown” operation, drafting from a portable water tank, with water suppied by shuttles.

    

FSU-3 was released at 0600 and returned to quarters at Station 35.

    

-- Report submitted by John Whiteside

FASCV Responds to Safeway Roof Collapse

   

Photo By Bruce Dembecki

On Thursday, December 11, the Bay Area was gripped by a winter storm, known to media in the area as "Stormaggedon". San Jose received over 4 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
 
Shortly before 4:00 P.M., word came to San Jose Fire Department that the roof of the Safeway at 1771 E. Capitol Expressway had collapsed into the store, and it was unknown how many people were inside.
 
Arriving units discovered a large section of roof, initially thought to be over 2,500 square feet, had collapsed into the produce section and across several aisles of groceries. While the staff were accounted for, it was unknown how many customers were in the store and the remaining roof and walls were clearly unstable. The arriving crew called for the USAR Task Force and a full-first structure response. Once on scene, the B/C escalated the incident to a second alarm, plus the USAR Task Force, plus several special-call units.
    
The San Jose Police Department helicopter, Air 2, was used to assist with the assessment of the building, providing overhead information about the size of the collapse and the condition of the rest of the roof (which included a major crack extending 80 feet from the existing collapse, with several small cracks running off that). Crews cautiously worked to develop a strategy to safely search the interior of the building for any victims.
 
While the USAR team worked on a search plan, several truck companies examined the roof structure on the adjoining properties in the strip-style mall. Other crews worked to shut off the Safeway sprinkler system which was releasing large amounts of water into the property, and secure gas and electricity lines to the properties.
 
A Special Call was made to add Fire Associates to the incident, and Bruce Dembecki responded to the scene with Fire Support Unit 2, arriving at 5:45 P.M. Crews were certainly wet, as it was raining heavily all afternoon. The Incident Commander advised that his top priority for Fire Associates was feeding the crews as dinner time was approaching. Bruce set about organizing meal service.
 
By 6:30 P.M., a primary and secondary search had been conducted and the incident was declared under control. One shopper had received a minor injury during the collapse, but despite the significant damage to the structure and the store contents, the people inside came through largely unscathed.
 
At 7:00 P.M., Bruce served dinner to hungry fire and EMS crews, and, after securing the property, everyone was released by 9:00 P.M.

• Bruce's photos can be viewed at this link:  Safeway Roof Collapse 

-- Report submitted by Bruce Dembecki