On Tuesday, Feb. 22, at approximately 8:30 P.M., the San Jose Fire Dept. called for Fire Associates' aid at an apartment fire in the city's Alum Rock area. The fire was burning in a townhouse apartment at 299 Cartago Court. Bruce Dembecki responded in Fire Support Unit 2. He was met by FASCV members Jerry Haag, Ron Green, John Whitaker, Mike Chappell and Dan Wong.The apartment was fully engulfed when the first-arriving fire crews came on scene. This caused a very quick 2nd alarm to be called and ultimately led to a 3rd alarm because of the attached apartments and the close proximity of other buildings. Also, a carport was located to the rear of the apartment with several cars in danger of adding to the inferno.
Rehab had not been established by the time FASCV arrived on scene. So, at the direction of SJFD Med30, a rehab area was established on a large lawn at the intersection of Cartago Ct. and El Rancho Verde Drive. Firefighters enjoyed a place to sit down while AMR took vitals, and coffee, Clif Bars and Gatorade were the refreshments of choice. Fire Associates was released at 11:00 P.M.
- John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at: SJS - Cartago Ct. Fire
- Bruce Dembecki's photos of the incident can be seen at: Cartago Court Fire
- A San Jose Mercury News article can be read at: East San Jose Apartment Fire
