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Photo By Juan Diaz
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At 1520 hours,
on Jan. 13, the San Jose Fire Department dispatched a full first alarm to 3854 Higuera Road,
between Balcom and Quail Canyon Roads. Located up in the eastern foothills, smoke and
flames were reported
coming from the shake
roof of a 2-story residence.
First-in fire units reported visible flames and
smoke upon departing their stations.
Water supply was a problem as was
access.
At arrival of the first
unit, the roof was completely afire and falling into the upper
story. A defensive attack was begun and a second alarm was
called as exposures were threatened, along with a small grass
fire. San Jose’s 3 water tenders were used to shuttle water to the
scene.
There was also at least one
large-diameter hose lay.
FASCV member John
Whiteside was monitoring the dispatch and upon hearing the event
unfold, realized a Fire Support Unit would probably be needed. He called fire
dispatch, asked if
the Incident Commander wanted an FSU. The answer was "YES", so John went to SJ
Station 35 to drive FSU 3 to the scene. He departed at
1625 and was soon joined on-scene by Jerry Haag, Dan Wong and
guest, Walter Huber. This was the second fire response of the day for FASCV members.
Med 30 requested meals for 50, so Jerry drove down the hill to pick
up the food. The FSU provided
coffee, hot chocolate, Clif bars, water, and 2
folding bench sets. Tables and lighting were set up for the meals. The weather
was cooling down and the hot drinks were in demand.
The FSU was released at 2030 and, after John had restocked the
FSU, including potable water in the tank and gasoline for the generator, it was
2150 when he left the station for home.
- A KTVU2 news story can be read at: Higuera Rd. House Fire
-- Report submitted by John Whiteside
