San Jose Firefighters Quickly Contain Hazardous Material Spill

At 15:53 on February 22, 2006 San Jose Fire Companies consisting of Engine & Hose 6, Engine 30, Truck Company 3, Battalion 1 and HIT 29 (Hazardous Incident Team) responded to a Hazardous Material Spill at 1130 Bird Ave, San Jose, CA. A Semi-Truck delivering shopping carts to the Walgreen’s, ruptured its diesel fuel tank on a concrete medium. Approximately 75 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the parking lot. Upon arrival Engine and Hose Wagon 6 immediately secured the scene and used an absorbent to isolate the spill and prevent further contamination. Engine 30 assisted Engine 6 and Truck Company 3 proceeded to evacuate the affected area.

En-route HIT 29 requested Environmental Enforcement Representatives to assist with determining the extent of the spill and enforce municipal code violations. Once on scene, H29 affirmed initial action steps taken by emergency personnel then used a “TMX 412” Gas Monitor to check for hazardous gasses in the atmosphere. HIT 29 personnel proceeded to identify safety zones, determine the extent of the spill and create an action plan to mitigate the incident. After further investigation it was determined by HIT 29 Personnel and Environmental Enforcement Inspectors that the spill was contained to the immediate area.

San Jose Firefighters, San Jose Police Officers, Environmental Enforcement, Dept. of Transportation/Streets & Traffic and a private Hazardous Materials clean up contractor worked together to isolate, clean-up the spill and prevent contamination to the environment. The clean-up is estimated to be completed by this afternoon. All the businesses have remained open throughout the incident.

Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, Public Information Officer, SJFD

Seven Displaced by Two Story Four-Plex Fire

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 1:23 P.M. five companies of San Jose Firefighters, one Paramedic Supervisor, one Ambulance and two Battalion Chief Officers responded to a reported structure fire at 1302 Bacchus Dr. in south central San Jose.


Arriving companies were confronted with a two-story Row House four-plex with attached garages. Upon arrival Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames lapping over the roof from the rear of the structure. Firefighters immediately deployed a 1¾” pre-connect attack line and made an aggressive interior attack. Firefighters endured intense heat and thick black smoke to get to the seat of the fire located in a second floor bedroom. Firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the adjacent units.

The fire was controlled in only twenty three minutes. The structure suffered extensive fire damage to the second floor and due to salvage efforts water damage to the first floor was minimal.

The loss is estimated at $75,000. There were no injuries reported. One civilian was evaluated on scene and refused transport. The American Red Cross was requested to assist seven civilian residents who were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, Public Information Officer, San Jose Fire Department

Firefighters Respond to Aircraft Down

On Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 2:56 PM, San José Fire Firefighters responded to a report of an aircraft down on Tully Road near Eastridge Lane in San José's East Side.

Initial reports stated the aircraft, a Beech C23 Sundowner, had hit multiple vehicles. However, upon arrival Engine 16 personnel quickly discovered no vehicles had been struck and all aboard the light plane had self-extricated. Due to the nature of the event Engine 16 crew immediately deployed a 1 ¾’ foam line. Engine 24 personnel assisted with patient care and USAR 16 secured the scene. There were no reports of any serious injuries to the passengers or anyone on the ground.



A preliminary report from an airport representative indicates the aircraft may have run out of fuel leading to an emergency landing. It was clear all aboard the aircraft and on the ground were extraordinarily fortunate.


Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, Public Information Officer and Craig Allyn Rose, Volunteer Photographer, San Jose Fire Department