2009 Officers Installed at Dinner Event

The newly elected officers for Fire Associates were installed at the November monthly meeting. Held on November 6th at Harry's Hofbrau in San Jose, the elected officials were installed by guest-of-honor Kevin Conant, San Jose Fire Dept. Bat. Chief 1A. Chief Conant and his wife, Debbi, were hosted for the evening by incoming president John Whitaker and his wife, Liz.

Elected officers are: John Whitaker, president; Bob Gundrum, vice president; Cliff Smith, treasurer; Stan Kelso, secretary; Jerry Haag, director; and Herman DeKruyff, director. All officer's will serve a two-year term, with the exception of Herman, who will serve the remaining year of his two-year term.

*** Fund Raising Report ***

Initial Fund Raising Blows Through Goal!

To date, the drive to purchase a new Support Unit has raised $35,450! This sum, when combined with $20,000 already in the treasury, has given us the $55,000 necessary to make the purchase -- taking advantage of a one-time deal offered by North Bay Ford in Santa Cruz.

But, the drive is not over.

Additional money is now being sought to outfit the rig. A 6,000 kW diesel generator has already been purchased, but we still need such things as a 50-gallon, potable water tank and pump; telescopic area lighting; and an emergency radio console. As soon as this equipment is acquired and installed, the rig will go into service to help Santa Clara county-wide fire departments provided rehab services to their firefighters.

If you wish to contribute, a check can be sent to:

Fire Associates "New Rig Fund"
455 S. Mathilda Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086-7605

Remember, FASCV is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization per Federal Tax Code, Section 501(c)4.

October 29, 2008 -- South County Fire Response

On October 29, at 3:12 P.M., Fire Associates' help was requested by South County Fire. John Whiteside and Don Gilbert responded in Support Unit 2 with Mike Chappell there in a Cal Fire capacity. John Whiteside provided the following details:

"October 29, South County Fire (CAL FIRE), with Gilroy, 3rd-alarm, 1910-era Victorian, Holsclaw Road at Gilman Road. We got a 'heads-up' from Mike who called me on phone to alert of upcoming page. When we left the scene at 1900, they had put so much foam on the ruins that it looked like a snow storm had been through. Unbelievable scene!!! There were 10 “red” rigs, including 2 SSC WTs, plus 2 additional WTs (private and Gilroy public works). Water shuttle required from area of The Outlets due to dry hydrant at scene."

October 25, 2008 -- Response for County Fire

At 6:43 A.M. on Saturday, October 25, Fire Associates was paged to a vegetation fire to the east of Hwy. 17 near Summit Rd. Located approx. 1,400 ft. north of Summit Rd. on Mtn. Charlie Rd., the fire involved dry leaves and undergrowth amongst the typical Coastal Range mix of oaks, tan oaks, etc. John Whiteside arrived in Support Unit 2 and was assisted on scene by FASCV members John Whitaker and George Hoyt.

The fire was approximately one-quarter acre in size, but had the potential to spread on an exceptionally warm morning. The cause appeared to be a tree limb that had come down on power lines along Mtn. Charlie Rd. which ignited the dry autumn leaves. On scene at the County-run event were units from Santa Clara County Fire, Cal Fire CZU, Ben Lomond Crew 1, and the Loma Prieta Volunteers. Fire Associates provided ice-cold beverages and a cup of morning coffee welcomed crews as they were released.

Fire Associates personnel remained on scene until they were released at approximately 9:45 A.M.

John Whitaker's photos can be viewed at: CNT - Mtn. Charlie Rd.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!!

Fire Associates Has A New Support Unit

Fire Associates has been involved in a fast-paced fund raising drive to purchase a new support unit. This month, with contributions from dozens of individuals and organizations, we achieved that goal.

We have taken delivery of a brand new, 2008 Ford F-550 Super Duty Diesel. Painted red, with a white roof, and equipped with 20-in.-deep utility boxes, the unit will be a much-needed replacement that will ensure a reliable response from Fire Associates for years to come.

To date, the drive has raised $35,200! This sum, when combined with $20,000 already in the treasury, has allowed us to make the purchase. We say "to date" because the drive is not over.

Now, additional money will be sought to outfit the rig. A 6,000 kW diesel generator has already been purchased, but we still need such things as a 50-gallon, potable water tank and pump; telescopic area lighting; and an emergency radio console. As soon as this equipment is acquired and installed, the rig will go into service to help Santa Clara county-wide fire departments provided rehab services to their firefighters.

October 15, 2008 -- 2nd-Alarm Response for Santa Clara City Fire

At 4:27 A.M. on October 15, 2008, Fire Associates was paged by Santa Clara City Fire to a structure fire at 1601 Coleman Ave. The second-alarm event involved a Costco big-box warehouse store. Responding for FASCV was Jerry Haag in Fire Support Unit 1.

First-in Engine 1, Truck 2, Engine 5, and Rescue 2 found fire in the middle of freezers and coolers in meat section. The result…lots of broiled steaks and crab!

Truck 2 aerialed to the roof with two 1 3/4" handlines, one from each engine, deployed at ground level. Additional responders were RE-3, E-4, E-6, and M-1. A special call brought Truck 1 to provide more fans for smoke evacuation.

Fire Support Unit 1 was returned to quarters at Santa Clara Station 9 at 7:30 A.M.

Read the San Jose Mercury News Story at this link: Heavy Smoke in Costco

-- Information submitted by FASCV member Jerry Haag.

October 11, 2008 - San Jose Fire 3rd-Alarm

On Saturday, October 11, 2008, FASCV was paged at 2:24 P.M. to a fire in San Jose. The third-alarm fire involved homes at 2065, 2069 and 2075 Limewood Ave. Responding in Fire Support 1 was Bob Gundrum, who was assisted by Jerry Haag.

Three, single-family dwellings were involved in the incident. The middle of the three was under construction or remodel and had no contents. The fire started in 2069 and spread to exposures on B and D sides. 2065 was moderately damaged; 2069 was burned to the ground; and 2075 was heavily damaged. Cause was reported as “unknown” but there were contractors on the site. Neighbors reported hearing an "explosion".

First-in SJFD Engine 23 tied onto a hydrant right in front of the first-invovled building. Second-due Engine 29 dropped 600 ft. of 5-in. and two 3-in. lines going in and operated the top-mounted Stang, protecting the B-side exposure. IC was Batt. Chief Guerra.

-- Information submitted by FASCV member Jerry Haag.

October 10, 2008 - Mountain View Fire 3rd-Alarm

On Saturday, 10 Oct. 2008, FASCV was dispatched at 2:38 P.M. to a third-alarm structure fire in Mountain View. Located at 333 Escuela Ave., the fire involved a three-story apartment building over a garage. Responding in Fire Support 1 was Bob Gundrum with FASCV members Jerry Haag, George Hoyt and guest Ron Green meeting him on scene.

The fire was in a third-floor apartment on the "A" side of the building. All occupants were reported out safely. The fire was out the window and lapping up on the eaves upon arrival of Mountain View Fire's first-due Engine 1. An aggressive attack stopped the fire in the apartment of origin. The cause was unknown. IC was Acting Batt. Chief Cliff Del Carlo.

-- Information submitted by FASCV member, Jerry Haag.

October 5, 2008 -- 2nd-alarm Response for Santa Clara City Fire

At 3:36 A.M. on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, Fire Associates was paged by Santa Clara City Fire to a 2-alarm fire in their city. Responding to the call for help was Bob Gundrum in Fire Support Unit 1 with Jerry Haag also on scene. Located at 104 Washington Street, the fire involved a 2-story apartment building.

Bob reports that the fire was in a 2-floor apartment on the "A" side of the building. All 4 occupants (college students) got out safely. First-due equipment reported that there was fire out the window and into eaves upon arrival. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack with a 2-1/2 inch line and stopped the fire as it entered the attic space. Cause was unknown with Engine 1 first in and the IC was Batt. Chief Titus.

-- Information provided by FASCV member Bob Gundrum

"New Rig" Fund Raising Report - 9/22/08

The Fire Associates "New Rig Acquisition Fund" continues to grow!

This week, the fund stands at $28,285 -- only $6,715 away from our goal. Fire Associates would like to thank the many people who have contributed. Your contributions will help ensure that we, as an organization, can continue to provide rehab support to all the firefighters who work in Santa Clara County.

That's the good news. On the other side is the fact that the $35,000 goal, when added to $20,000 already in the FASCV treasury, only gives us the $55,000 needed to purchase the rig. The next challenge will be to raise the additional money needed to outfit the unit with a diesel power generator, area lighting, potable water tank and pump, and emergency radio console.

If you wish to contribute, a check can be sent to: Fire Associates "New Rig Fund", 455 S. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086-7605. Remember, FASCV is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization per Federal Tax Code, Section 501(c)4.