Two Die In Sunnyvale Mobile Home Fire

  
Date and Time: 05-08-2014, 2:06 A.M.
Agency: Sunnyvale Public Safety
Incident Address: 1050 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale
Type: Second Alarm
    
Details: Fire in modern double-wide, manufactured home. Severe damage. Two fatalities. Deck gun used to prevent spread to Charlie exposure.
  
Agency Responders:
SNY:  E-41, 42, 45, 46. 242, 246; T-41; R-42; B-42 (Rushmeyer, IC)
   
FASCV Responding Unit:  FSU-1. Arrived: 0300; Released 0630.
FASCV Responders:  Jerry Haag (driver); Mike Garcia; and Captain Nic Grossi, SJFD-Retired (guest).

•  A San Jose Mercury News story can be read at:  2 Die in Sunnyvale Fire 

 -- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

Last Fire of the Month Occurs On A Hot Day In San Jose

    

Photo By John Whitaker

After a slower than usual April for the members of Fire Associates, the month ended on a hot note.
   
On a day that set a near record for heat in San Jose, a fire call came in at 9:23 P.M. for a house fire. The temperature at the time of the call was in the mid-80s. Located at 2224 Foxworthy Ave., the fire was reported as burning in the rear of the residence. The first-arriving engine company reported, "Smoke and flames showing."
   
It was not long before a second alarm was called as the structure was of old, wood construction and the fire was quickly spreading. Of immediate concern was the exposure on the bravo/charlie corner and the next-arriving engine companies were directed to protect that exposure. Radio traffic was busy as the crews worked feverishly to contain the blaze. When a report came in that the adjacent structure was beginning to catch fire, a third alarm was struck for additional resources.
    
The third alarm call brought a request for Fire Associates. As a result of recent discussions with the San Jose Fire Department, FASCV members were notified of a need for their service by the Department's automated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. This was the first time that FASCV has been requested automatically by the SJFD. Up to now, requests for service had to go by telephone from dispatchers to our paging service, who then sent out the request as a page or text message. It is hoped that this new method will greatly speed up the notification process.
      
Don Gilbert and John Whiteside responded to the call for assistance. They met up at SJFD Station 6 and brought Fire Support Unit 2 to the scene -- Don as the driver and John riding "shotgun". They were met by John Whitaker, who had been alerted to the fire by his PulsePoint app on his iPhone and gotten a head start to the incident. Also arriving st the fire was FASCV member Mike Garcia and Kenny Von Needham (guest).
    
Rehab was quickly established as the fire crews were in need of cold drinks -- and lots of them! Med30 set out his 2 benches and requested that Fire Associates also set out their portable benches as the crews needed a place to sit and rest. The firefight was hot as, at one time, flames in the rear of the structure could be seen from the street. Lots of Gatorade, bottled water, and ice-cold lemonade were consumed. As the incident wound down, crews were returned to quarters and FSU-2 was released from service at approximately 11:30 P.M.
   
The temperature at 11:30 P.M. in April -- 74 degrees! It might be a busy summer...

• John Whitaker's photos can be seen at:  Foxworthy House Fire
     
• A KRON TV news story can be read at:  Two Displaced

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker

Eichler-style Houses Burn On A Warm Spring Day In San Jose

   

Photo By Craig Allyn Rose

The smart phone app "Pulsepoint" is intended to be a tool for notifying users of a heart attack victim near their location. The thinking is that if someone who knows CPR could get to a victim early, a life might be saved. According to reports, nationwide, the app has worked successfully several times in that capacity.
    
However, for members of Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley, the Pulsepoint app has also been a useful tool in the early notification of potential multi-alarm structure fires.
   
Such was the case on Monday afternoon, April 7, when the Pulsepoint app activated to alert users to a house fire in West San Jose. At 2:58 P.M., John Whitaker saw on Pulsepoint that there was a structure fire at 4655 Mossbrook Circle. He then went to his emergency scanner radio to listen to the details. 
        
Almost immediately, Air 2 (the San Jose Police helicopter) was over the scene and reported to Fire Dispatch that the structure of origin was already fully engulfed and houses on either side of the residence were beginning to catch fire. The Battalion Chief then came on the radio and, based on Air 2's observation, requested a second alarm.
    

Photo By John Whitaker

With that report, John anticipated a FASCV response and began changing clothes. In addition, John also phoned FASCV member Don Gilbert to see if he was aware of the incident. Don replied that he, too, was in "response mode" and would join up with John at SJFD Station 6 in case Fire Support Unit 2 was needed. Shortly after Don and John arrived at Station 6, the event escalated to a third alarm and Fire Dispatch agreed that FSU-2 should respond.
 
When fire crews arrived on scene, they found that a 1-story, Eichler-style house was indeed fully involved with the roof already threatening to collapse. The house on the "bravo" side was also 30% involved and the house on the "delta" side was beginning to burn. Eichler-style homes are notorious for posing a severe fire danger. Their all wood construction and open-air design lend themselves to quick fire extension. Among Bay Area firefighters, Eichler-style homes are known as "7-minute houses".
    

Photo By John Whitaker

With the narrow, residential streets filled with fire apparatus, FSU-2 had a difficult time reaching the suggested rehab location. But, after some tricky negotiation between parked fire rigs, parked cars, and some flower beds (with the approval of the home owners), FSU-2 reached rehab. Don and John were met by new FASCV member Mike Garcia along with guests Kenny von Needham and Mike Jensen.
 
At the request of SJFD Med30, a formal rehab area was set up in the driveway of a neighboring residence. Ice chests, a table, and benches were quickly set out for the expected rush of fire crews. An EMS crew from Rural-Metro soon arrived in rehab, and when firefighters began filtering through, they had their vital signs checked out after what proved to be a very hot fire on a warm, Spring day.
 
FSU-2 and FASCV members remained on scene until they were released shortly after 6:30 P.M.

• John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at:  Eichler-style Fire

• Craig Allyn Rose's spectacular photos can be viewed at:  Mossbrook Cir. Fire

• A San Jose Mercury-News story can be read at:  Homes Burn 

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker

Two-Alarm Townhome Blaze Brings Response from Santa Clara County Fire

  

Photo By John Whitaker

On Sunday evening, March 16, having just finished an afternoon incident supporting Mountain View Fire, Fire Associates members Jerry Haag and Bruce Dembecki were cleaning and restocking Fire Support Unit 1 back at Santa Clara Fire Station 9. Just as the ice had been reloaded back into the freezer, Santa Clara County Fire escalated a Los Gatos fire to a second alarm. Knowing that their response could be quick (as they were in the fire station with the Support Unit), the rig was reloaded and FSU-1 took off for Los Gatos.
  
Meanwhile, FASCV South County members were preparing a response from their end of the Valley. After some quick phone calls, Fire Support Unit 1 was cleared for Los Gatos while the South County teams were informed to meet up on scene at 554 Pine Wood Lane, Los Gatos.
  
Santa Clara County fire crews had been called for a kitchen fire. It was reported that a babysitter attempted to extinguish a stovetop grease fire with water. This caused an immediate explosion in the town home and fire extended into the cabinetwork. Worse, the exploding grease caused some minor burns to the babysitter, who was transported to hospital.
   
With two alarms of people and equipment on hand, County Fire crews quickly had the situation under control, and were able to prevent the spread of the fire to other townhouses in the complex.
   
Fire Associates President, Jerry Haag, arrived on scene in Support Unit 1 at approximately 7:45 P.M. and was met on scene by FASCV members Bruce Dembecki, John Whiteside, John Whitaker, Don Gilbert, Dan Wong, and making his second ever official response (on the same day as his first response) was Mike Garcia! Rehab was established with cold drinks and hot coffee. Firefighters made quick work of the overhaul and most units were released by 9:00 P.M., with FSU-1 back in quarters for the second time that evening at 9:30 P.M.

• John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at:  Los Gatos Fire

-- Report submitted by Bruce Dembecki

Mountain View Firefighters Attack 2-Alarm Blaze

 
On Sunday, March 16, the Mountain View Fire Dept. responded to reports of a house on fire at 175 Wortham Court, Mountain View. Firefighters arrived on scene at 2:50 P.M. and found a single home with active fire in a significant portion of the residence.  A fire attack was initiated and, at 2:55 P.M., a 2nd alarm was called to bring additional resources and personnel to assist in fighting the fire. The fire did extend to one of the neighboring houses during the incident.
   
Fire Associates President Jerry Haag was monitoring the situation and upon receiving the 2nd alarm notification responded at 3:06 P.M. to pick up Fire Support Unit 1. FSU-1 was met on scene by Fire Associates members Larry Carr, Bruce Dembecki, and Dan Wong, along with guest Janet DiPietro. Also joining the Fire Associates team for the first time (in an official capacity) was FASCV member, Mike Garcia - congratulations to Mike on his recent appointment to Fire Associates.
   
On a warm afternoon, with firefighters busy working on two separate homes, cold drinks and wet towels were popular - and ice ended up being in short supply. Dan Wong made an ice run and the problem was solved. As afternoon turned to evening, thoughts of dinner started to come into the minds of weary fire crews. Another side trip for Dan and voila... 40 meals were served!
   
Fire Support Unit 1 left the scene at approximately 6:45 P.M. and headed back to Santa Clara Fire Station 9. As the Fire Associates were busy cleaning and restocking the rig, Santa Clara County fire crews began working a fire in Los Gatos that ultimately led to a second response for the day.

-- Report submitted by Bruce Dembecki

Home Severely Damaged in 2-Alarm Moutain View Fire

     

Photo By Dan Wong

Date and Time: 03-16-2014, 2:30 A.M.

Agency: Mountain View Fire

Incident Address: 1747 Fordham Way, Mountain View

Type: Second Alarm

  

Details: Fire in medium-size, single-story, single-family dwelling. Occupants out of town. Fire got a good start before discovery. Severe damage.

 

Agency Responders:

 MTV: E-51, 52, 53, 54; T-51; R-51; B-51 (Alameda, IC)

 CNT: E-76, B-74

 PAF: BS-64

  

FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-4. Arrived: 0300; Released 0445.

FASCV Responders: Larry Carr (driver), Jerry Haag, Dan Wong, and Randy Wong (guest).

• Dan Wong's photos can be viewed at:  Fordham Rd. Fire
    
• A KPIX5 news video can be viewed at:  Fordham Rd. Video Report

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

Santa Clara City Firefighters Attack 2-Alarm House Fire

 

Photo By Craig Allyn Rose

Date and Time: 03-13-2014, 1:30 P.M.
Agency: Santa Clara City Fire
Incident Address: 2166 Quinn Ct., Santa Clara
Type: Second Alarm
   
Details: Fire in medium-size, single-story, single-family dwelling. Bright, sunny day. Shade canopy, lemonade and cold towels were welcomed by the firefighters. Since many had not eaten, the Clif Bars and cookies also disappeared quickly. 
   
Agency Responders:
SNC: E-90, 91, 93; T-192; R-92; HM-99; B-1 (Merrick, IC)
   
FASCV Responding Unit: FSU-1. Arrived: 2:00 P.M.; Released 4:30 P.M.
FASCV Responders: Jerry Haag (driver), Larry Carr and Dan Wong.
  
-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

Second-Alarm Fire In Mountain View Apartment

 

Date and Time: 03-06-2014, 2:35 P.M.

Agency: Mountain View Fire
Incident Address: 880 Park Dr., Mountain View
Type: Second Alarm 

  
Details: Fire in second floor unit of two-story, multi-family apartment building. 
   

FASCV Responding Units: FSU-4. Arrived: 3:00 P.M.; Released upon arrival.
FASCV Responders: Larry Carr (driver), Jerry Haag, and Dan Wong.

   

-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag

2-Alarm Almaden Valley House Fire Causes Yet Another FASCV Response

 

Photo By John Whitaker

A string of unrelated house fires and garage fires seems to be continuing in the Santa Clara Valley.

On Monday, March 3, firefighters were yet again summoned to a garage fire. Located at 6029 Burchell Ct. in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, a garage was fully engulfed by the time the first-arriving rigs got on scene. Flames were rolling out of the garage door and smoke was reported coming out of the eaves on all 4 sides of the structure.

Not helping matters was the fact that the fire was being fueled by leaking gasoline cans. Firefighters had to deal with the burning fuel that was running down the driveway and burning in the street gutter in front of the structure. Also of immediate importance was structure protection for the house next door on the "Delta" side of the blaze. In addition, the driveway was occupied by a Dodge pick-up truck with a dirt bike in its bed, a Harley-Davidson-type motorcycle, a quad cycle, and a jet ski on a small trailer.

Photo Courtesy of the San Jose Fire Dept.

A collapsed, tile roof over the garage made the fire difficult to fight and increased the time needed for overhaul. During the overhaul, fire crews were kept busy dealing with the smoldering underlayment beneath the Spanish tiles and putting foam on the remaining, unburned fuel.

At 10:10 A.M., a call was made for Fire Associates assistance as it was clear that the long overhaul process would be extending into the lunch hour. Don Gilbert and John Whiteside quickly went to SJS Station 6 and got Fire Support Unit 2, while John Whitaker responded to the fire scene. Once on scene, John consulted with San Jose's Med 30 and the IC to scout out an area for Rehab. A location was identified in the street to the left of the involved structure and FSU-2 was easily located there when it arrived. By lunch time, two large boxes of burritos arrived for the hungry crews and FASCV helped to serve the meal. FSU-2 was released from the scene at approximately 12:45 P.M.

• John's photos can be viewed at:  Burchell Ct. Fire
    
• A KTVU.com news story can be read at:  2-Alarm Almaden Fire

  -- Report submitted by John Whitaker

Fire Associates Responds to 2-Alarm House Fire in Santa Clara

  
Date and Time: 03-02-2014, 1:15 P.M.
Agency: Santa Clara City Fire
Incident Address: 1667 Jackson St., Santa Clara
Type: Second Alarm
 
Details: Fire in a two-story, two-family dwelling with basement. Fire originated in the basement and quickly spread up within the walls (balloon construction) threatening the upper stories. Great stop made. Building is recoverable.
   
Agency Responders:
    SNC: E-90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97; T-92, 98; R-92; HM-99; XSC Med-13; Batt. 92
    SJS: Station coverage
FASCV Responding Units: FSU-1. Arrived: 1:45 P.M.; Released: 3:30 P.M.
FASCV Responders: Bob Gundrum (driver) with Jerry Haag, George Hoyt, and Dan Wong.
 
-- Report submitted by Jerry Haag