13 Displaced by Apartment Fire

On Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 11:02am, San Jose Firefighters responded to multiple reports of an apartment fire at 275 Pamela Ave. Under the direction of Battalion Chief, Karen Allyn, a full first alarm was dispatched including Engine and Truck Company 2, Engine 8, Engine 19, USAR 16 and Battalions 1 and 2. Engine 2 reported smoke showing from Alum Rock and N. Capital Ave.


Upon arrival Engine 2 was faced with a two story, 8 unit apartment complex with heavy smoke and flames coming out of a second story unit. Flames lapped over the roof eves and thick black smoke covered both ends of the second story breezeway. Led by H/C-Captain, Louis Ramirez, Engine 2 Firefighters battled through intense heat and smoke while executing a direct aggressive interior attack with 1 ¾” hand lines. Truck Company 2, led by Captain, Russ Pfirrman, utilized an aerial ladder to get his crew on the roof to perform vertical ventilation. USAR Company 16, led by Captain, Craig Schwinge, performed search and rescue. Labor intensive salvage and overhaul was completed to minimize property damage and prevent the possibility of a rekindle.



One civilian suffered minor smoke inhalation and a laceration to her elbow. She was treated on scene then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation. Her injuries were non-life threatening. Four of the eight apartment units were declared uninhabitable. A total of 13 people were displaced by the fire, including 8 adults and 5 children. The American Red Cross responded to provide emergency housing for the displaced families.

Estimated damage is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, SJFD, PIO