Smokey Fire In Gilroy Brings 3-Alarm Response

   

Photo by Bill Roth

On April 23, at a few minutes past 4:00 P.M., Gilroy Fire dispatched units to a report of a fire in the vicinity of Luchessa Avenue and Rossi Court. Upon arrival, it was determined to be located at METech, 6200 Engle Way. The company is a permitted electronics and e-waste recycling facility for the entire San Francisco Bay area. 

   

The fire was burning in an outside storage area that contained piles of recycle materials. The heavy black smoke could be seen for miles!

   

Within a few minutes, the fire response was increased to a 3^rd alarm, bringing additional fire units from Hollister, South Santa Clara County Fire District, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Santa Clara County, plus California Fish and Game for possible contaminated water runoff. On scene there were 11 engines, 3 ladder trucks, 2 breathing support units, 1 hazmat unit, and 4 chiefs. Additional engines back-filled empty stations in Gilroy and Morgan Hill.

     

Photo Posted by Craig Allyn Rose

Fire Associates was requested and John Whiteside responded with Fire Support Unit 2 for the approximate 30-mile drive. Bill Roth met John on scene and together they set up rehab with benches, tables, water, Gatorade, CLIF bars, scene lighting, and later, coffee. FASCV member George Hoyt also assisted. Gilroy Fire provided 80 sandwiches with chips for the group. FSU-2 was released at 9:45 P.M. -- arriving back in quarters at 10:30 P.M.

• More Photos can be viewed at:  Recycle Fire

-- Report submitted by John Whiteside