Blaze Guts San Jose Strip Mall

Just before 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2007, San Jose Firefighters responded to a report of a restaurant fire in west San Jose at 1132 South De Anza Blvd.

Upon arrival, Engine Company 15 discovered heavy fire conditions with flames through the roof of a multi-unit strip mall. Firefighters immediately requested a second and third-alarm to contend with the rapidly spreading blaze.

Under the direction of the Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Ivan Lee and Operations Section Chief Jim Stunkel, defensive strategies were initiated including the deployment of two ladder pipes, multiple large diameter hand lines, one portable monitor, and Engine 10's deck gun.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the structure of origin, while protecting exposures on two side of the complex, one to the east (Charlie-side) and one to the south (Delta-side), from sustaining any damage. The fire was declared under control in just over two hours after the first units arrived on scene.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Posted by: Captain, Alberto Olmos, Public Information Officer

Submitted by: Craig Allyn Rose, Photographer San Jose Fire Department