At approximately 1:30 P.M. on Sunday afternoon June 13, San Jose Fire called for Fire Associates help. An abandoned house at 691 W. San Carlos was on fire just west of downtown. Don Gilbert responded in Support Unit 2 and was joined by FASCV members John Whitaker, Mike Chappell, Jerry Haag and Bruce Dembecki.
Arriving firefighters found the entire front of the structure on fire and a 2nd alarm was quickly called. Early into the attack, crews were called out of the structure due to a sagging wall. Also, fire was burning under the front steps leading to a porch area. As the afternoon temperature rose to near 90 degrees, third and fourth alarms were called due to the high heat index.
As luck would have it, the fire was burning next to a car wash on the corner of San Carlos and Bird Ave. "Luck" because the establishment's covered customer waiting area was utilized for rehab. In addition, the large area had benches and an overhead misting system. A perfect location for rehab on a hot afternoon. Fire Associates helped keep the ice chests full and the drinks cold until we were released at 4:30 P.M.
- John's photos can be viewed at: San Jose House Fire
- A San Jose Mercury-News story can be read at: Firefighters Battle Fire
- Additional photos are at: House Fire
