On Wednesday, May 5, a peaceful, Spring afternoon was interrupted by a call from the San Jose Fire Department. Two houses were burning on the city's south side. Located at 6090 Guadalupe Mines Rd., the fire was first reported as a kitchen fire in a two-story home. By the time a 4th alarm was called, the fire had almost fully engulfed the original home as well as a large portion of the house next door.
John Whiteside responded in Support Unit 2. He was met by a nattily-dressed Bob Gundrum, Fred Oehm, John Whitaker, Jerry Haag, George Hoyt, Mike Chappell, Don Gilbert and guest, Dan Wong. John Whiteside has submitted the following report:
Comments: Full first alarm dispatched about 1215 to kitchen fire at 6090. Sta. 13 equipment reported heavy black smoke while enroute on Blossom Hill Ave. Adjacent structure (6082 Guadalupe Mines Rd.), the “B” exposure also caught, and went into attic. Fires escalated to 4th alarm with County Fire being the 4th alarm. We picked up 65 meals (Burritos, chips and salsa) from Una Mas.
I was finally released with FSU #2 about 1736 after doing traffic control when police left and cars started piling up in front of fire rigs blocking the street. I must have talked to hundreds of drivers, lined up 7 and 8 deep in cars wanting to pass thru a blocked street! Almost unbelievable!!! Actually got hoarse from talking to so many drivers!!
- John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at: Guadalupe Mines Rd. Fire
- Craig Allyn Rose's photos are at this link: 6090 Guadalupe Mines Rd.
- Amateur video on YouTube at: 2 House Fires
- A CBS5 news story can be read at: 2 Homes Damaged
