On Sunday morning, July 25, Fire Associates was paged by the San Jose Fire Department for a 3-alarm apartment house fire. Burning at 1671 Hamilton Ave., the fire unfortunately resulted in the death of a child. Don Gilbert responded in Support Unit 2 and was met on scene by George Hoyt, Jerry Haag, John Whitaker, and Ron Green.
First-due SJ Engine 6 found the first-floor apartment blazing away upon their arrival. The rear windows of the unit were already broken out and flames were shooting out of the front windows. The front of the unit faced an enclosed courtyard, which made access more difficult. The apartment was occupied by a family who was being visited by other family members. The fatality was an 8-year-old girl who did not make it out of the structure.
FASCV set up in a parking lot (adjacent to Ernie's Pool Supply) which was located across from the incident scene. Hot coffee was the drink of preference during the overcast, early-morning hours. Clif Bars were also provided along with donuts supplied by a VTA supervisor and donated by a nearby Safeway supermarket. A VTA bus was brought into the fire scene to provide shelter for the numerous displaced families who called the building home.
Fire Associates was released from service at 7:30 A.M.
- John's photos can be viewed at: SJS - Hamilton Ave. Fire
- A San Jose Mercury-News story is at: 3-alarm Apartment Fire
