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

$20,000 Goal for FASCV Radio Fund - Please Help

   

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 $8,522.00.

  

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, Treasurer, FASCV, 1166 Cameo Drive, Campbell, CA 95008. 

  

Donations may also be made by PayPal and additional mechanisms available at our web site: http://www.fascv.org/Donate.html.
   

FASCV Responds to 2-Alarm House Fire In Milpitas

 
Date and Time:  Nov. 24, 2:04 PM
Agency: Milpitas Fire
Incident Address: 599 Redwood Ave., Milpitas
Type: Second Alarm
 
Details: Single-story, single-family house.

Agency Responders:
MLP: E-86, 87, 88; T-89; USAR-89; B-86 (Frawley-IC).
SJS: E-23.
XSC: Med-43.
 
FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-1. Arrived: 1440; Released 1555.
FASCV Responders: Garcia, Gundrum (driver), Haag.

• A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  Milpitas House Fire

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Spa in Campbell

  

Photo By Michael Garcia

Saturday, November 22, was a misty, overcast day in the San Jose area. At 1117 hours, Santa Clara County Fire (Central Fire - CNT) dispatched units to a commercial structure fire at 2210 South Bascom Avenue, cross of Apricot Avenue in the city of Campbell. One caller stated there was a fire in the Spa, gave no further details and hung up.
  
The first responding unit stated over the radio “…there is heavy black smoke showing, the single-story building is 20% involved, upgrade this to a full first response and also give me a second alarm!”
  
This alarm level dispatched a request for a Fire Associates Fire Support Unit. FASCV member John Whiteside was the only south area driver available and upon receiving a page at 1129, he responded with FSU-2. Waiting on scene was member Cliff Smith (and wife Sheila) and guest, Dave Cantanho. As they were helping John set up, FASCV member Mike Garcia and guest Mike Jensen arrived.
  

Photo By John Whiteside

Several second-alarm units had been released by this time but the remaining firefighters were provided bottled water, Gatorade, CLIF bars, coffee, and benches for seating. Rehab had been set up in front of a Subway sandwich shop; later the Incident Commander walked in and ordered sandwiches for the assembled personnel.
   
After supporting lunch service, FSU-2 was released and returned to San Jose Station 6 at 1510.

• John Whiteside's photos can be viewwed at:  Campbell Spa Fire

• An NBC Bay Area news story can be read at:  Fire Destroys Spa

-- Report submitted by John Whiteside

Major San Jose Church Fire Brings 4-Alarm Response

   

Photo by Michael Garcia

You wouldn't think that a major fire could start burning in a church on a Sunday afternoon, but that's exactly what happened in San Jose on Nov. 16.

   

Shortly after 2:00 P.M., and just after the weekly Italian Mass had concluded, San Jose Fire dispatchers began receiving calls that a fire was burning in the Holy Cross Catholic church. Located at 580 Jackson Street, between 12th and 13th Streets, the blaze was reportedly burning in the choir loft area at the front of the structure. While en route, the Battalion Chief called a second alarm as multiple calls were being received and smoke was showing.

   

First-arriving fire units reported afterward that, upon arrival, smoke was billowing out of every external opening in the large building. An interior attack was quickly begun, but the fire progressed rapidly into the ceiling rafters and spread to the roof and bell tower.

    

Photo By John Whitaker

At 2:40 P.M., a third alarm was called, followed shortly thereafter by a fourth alarm. After a valiant effort to get ahead of the blaze, firefighters had to pull out of the church because the integrity of the structure was beginning to be of concern. Three aerial master streams were set up along with numerous ground monitors in a huge "surround-and-drown" effort to curtail the fire.

   

The third alarm brought with it a request for Fire Associates assistance. Don Gilbert answered the call with Fire Support Unit 2. Don and John Whiteside were in communication and it was decided that an additional Support Unit might be helpful because of the size of the fire ground and the shear number of firefighters on scene. John Whiteside left for SJFD Station 35 and responded to the scene with FSU-3. Also responding directly to the fire were FASCV members Bob Gundrum, Mike Garcia, John Whitaker, and Len Williams.

    

Photo By John Whitaker

After conferring with SJFD Med30, a primary Rehab area was established on Jackson Street just to the west of the fire. Lemonade, Gatorade, water, and Clif Bars were provided to firefighters and a benches were set up for a place to rest. Once on scene, John Whiteside set up FSU-3 on Jackson Street to the east of the involved structure. As the dinner hour approached, and crews were still on scene, 100 burritos were ordered for dinner. Shortly before 6:00 P.M., John Whitaker left in his personal vehicle to pick up the order from a downtown restaurant. A meal area was set up in the primary Rehab area and fire crews were served their dinner.

     

At approximately 8:00 P.M., after all the firefighters had eaten, both Rehab areas were de-mobed and FASCV members were released by the IC.

• Photos by John Whitaker and Mike Garcia can be viewed at:  Holy Cross Church
      
• A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  Church Fire

-- Story submitted by John Whitaker

Residents Escape 2-Alarm Fire In Milpitas

 

Date and Time:  10-24-2014; 3:26 AM

Agency: Milpitas Fire

Incident Address: 2236 Farmcrest St., Milpitas

Type: Second Alarm

    

Details: Fire in kitchen spread quickly to second floor and attic of large house. Four persons displaced. First-arriving Milpitas Police officers found all the residents on the roof of the garage. Their escape route down the interior stairway was blocked by fire, so the residents climbed out a window onto the garage roof at the front of the structure. The 2 officers assisted everyone off the roof and they took shelter on a lawn across the street from the residence.

    

Agency Responders:MLP: E-86, 87, 88; T-89; USAR-89; B-86 (Silvi-IC).

SJS: E-19, 619, 23, 29; T-29; B-29.

XSC: Med-72.

FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-1. Arrived: 0415; Released 0600.

FASCV Responders: Jerry Haag (driver), John Whitaker

   

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag and John Whitaker