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| Photo by John Whitaker |
On the afternoon of July 31, for the third or fourth time this summer, San Jose firefighters received a call for a vegetation fire burning in a large field located near the intersection of Quimby Rd. and Capital Expressway. This time, the fire began in the southwest corner of the property and burned to the east through grass and some dense vegetation.
With flames reaching up as high as a reported 20 feet, the IC didn't wait too long before calling for a Tier 2 response. Along with several more engine companies and their brush patrol engines, a Tier 2 dispatch also brings a support unit from Fire Associates. Bruce Dembecki responded with Fire Support Unit 2 while John Whitaker, who lives not too far away, responded directly to the scene. John was able to make contact with Battalion 2 at a location behind Leyva Intermediate School and, together, they determined that FSU-2 should respond to that location. However, while that was happening, San Jose's Med30 had totally run out of drinking water and Gatorade. So, when FSU-2 arrived on scene, Bruce and John were directed into the field to deliver beverages to hot and tired crews who were dealing with numerous "smokers" during overhaul.
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| Photo by John Whitaker |
During this time, it was determined that the overhaul operation was going to extend beyond the dinner hour. Togo's sandwiches were ordered up and John left the area in his personal vehicle to go get the food. A Rehab area was set up in Meadowfair Park located to the rear of Leyva School, and crews were able to enjoy their dinner while sitting down a park picnic tables. All that was missing were the red-checkered table cloths!
Crews that remained on scene were not only "treated" to dinner, but everyone enjoyed an absolutely beautiful sunset.
-- Report submitted by John Whitaker
