Saturday, June 15, 2013

Second Major Vegetation of the Day Strikes Along Hellyer Ave. In San Jose

Photo By Bruce Dembecki
  
Shortly after 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, June 15, San Jose firefighters responded to reports of a vegetation fire along Hellyer Ave. This was the second blaze in the area for the day, with the first going to a Tier 2 response. Fire Associates were called to the first fire, located between Hellyer Ave. and Embedded Way, but were cancelled en route.
   
The second blaze, located along the north side of Hellyer Ave., appeared to be larger and faster than the first, with the first fire unit on scene reporting 5 to 8 acres burnt with 5-ft. flames. The incident was quickly escalated to a Tier 2, and a Medium CalFire response was also requested, bringing more fire engines, dozers, air tankers and Copter 106.
   
Fire Support Unit 2 was in service and attached to the incident. FASCV member Bruce Dembecki brought FSU-2 and was met on scene by FASCV members George Hoyt. and John Whitaker.
  
Fortunately for everyone, the blaze was stopped by a narrow trail and, together with firefighter efforts, the blaze was contained quickly. FSU-2 was released at 5:00 P.M. after providing minimal service of cold water and Gatorade.
 
-- Report submitted by Bruce Dembecki