At 10:56 A.M., on Sunday, Oct. 3, the San Jose Fire Dept. called for FASCV help at an apartment fire in the Almaden Valley. Located at 5757 Via Monte Drive, just west of Almaden Expressway, the fire was burning in a 2-story apartment complex. Bruce Dembecki responded in Support Unit 2 and was met on scene by John Whiteside, John Whitaker, George Hoyt and Don Gilbert.
The fire call was unique because of "who" called in to report the blaze. Two, off-duty San Jose firefighters were in the area, saw the smoke and "called it in" before racing to assist the occupants. Support Unit 2 was called in to assist with the Rehab area and prepare to serve meals. Besides the usual warm-weather beverages, burritos were appreciated by all who partook in the noon-time meal. One firefighter was injured when he fell through a weakened floor and a resident was transported for chest pains after the incident was under control.
The Support Unit was released from the incident at 3:00 P.M.
- John's photos can be viewed at: San Jose Apartment Fire
- Bruce's photos are at: Almaden Special Call
- A San Jose Mercury News story is at: 2 Firefighters Spot Fire
