A fire destroyed 2 homes in the eastern foothills of San Jose on June 19, 2014. Around 4:20 P.M. on this Thursday afternoon, an initial report of a fire in the grass at 13950 Clayton Rd turned into a blaze that destroyed two homes on the property, as well as 2 additional buildings, and several vehicles. Approximately 1.3 acres of grass and trees around the buildings was burnt, and a spot fire consumed about a half-acre up the hill towards nearby neighbors.
San Jose Fire responded a TIER 2 wildland response after a sheriff helicopter reported the blaze involving a house and garage had spread to surrounding grass and shrub. In addition a medium Cal Fire response resulted in Copter 106 and 8 Cal Fire crews responding to the conflagration.
With the TIER 2 called, San Jose paged out Fire Associates and John Whiteside responded with Fire Support Unit 2 to the incident. John was met at Fire Station 6 by Bruce Dembecki who accompanied him up the hill. On scene the Fire Associates members were met by a guest, Kenny Needham.
Fire Associates members worked the two active fire grounds bringing cold drinks to the crews. Late in the evening, meals were served before crews were released. Fire Support Unit 2 was back in Station 6 by 10:15 P.M.
-- Report submitted by Bruce Dembecki
