Sunday, July 22, 2012

Apartment Blaze Results in San Jose Fire's Largest Response of the Year

 
Photos By Craig Allyn Rose


 
Date: Sunday, July 22, 2012, 9:34 P.M.
Type:  Apartment Fire
Size:   4-Alarm
Jurisdiction:  San Jose Fire  Department
Location:  Del Coronado Apartments at 5281 Camden Ave.
   
A cool summer evening was interupted with the fire radios crackling with the report of an apartment fire on Camden Ave. in the southwest portion of San Jose. Responding engine companies reported a large column of smoke visible en route and a second and third alarms were quickly called.

An list of the fire units eventually called to the scene included:
  • San Jose Fire:  Chiefs 2A and 3A; Batt. B1, B10, B13 and B29; E6, E10, E12, E13, E14, E17, E18, E22 and E28; T9, T13, T14 and T335; SQ18 and SQ26; P1 and P28; WT13 and WT18; AU30 and Med30.
     
  • Santa Clara County Fire:  E6 and T5
     
  • Santa Clara City Fire:  E4 and T2
  
The large amount of equipment on scene was partially the result of the fire's location. The apartment complex was located behind the Avanti Shopping Center with access through a narrow alleyway between stores. Access was also possible from Merrill Ave., a narrow side street to the facility. Also increasing the intensity of the flames was a stiff wind fanning the flames once they broke through the roof.

A formal Rehab area was set up in the Avanti parking lot. FSU 2 was set up in the rehab area with FSU 3 standing by on scene in case extra supplies were needed. Also in rehab was Med 30 and 3 Rural-Metro EMS units. Things got very busy in rehab as all crews on scene eventually made their way to the location for rest and rehydration. The rehab operation was disbanded shortly before midnight.

Responding FASCV members: Bruce Dembecki (driver - FSU 2), John Whiteside (driver - FSU 3), Don Gilbert, Jerry Haag, John Whitaker, George Hoyt, Mike Chappell and guest Walter Huber.
Responding FASCV units: FSU 2 and FSU 3
Posted by at