Firefighters Answer the Call to Duty

Since October 1, 2006 San Jose Firefighters have responded to 19 full first alarms, 7 two alarms, 2 three alarms, 4 TIER ones, 3 TIER twos and 1 TIER three fire. Crews have answered the call to a total of 36 significant fires in the last 45 days, including the incidents below.

Units of the San Jose Fire Department were alerted to a house fire at 1845 Newport Ave. in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood just before 2:30 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2006. Because of the intensity of the fire, firefighters were forced to take a defensive strategy to quell the flames and protect adjacent homes. First due Engine 6 deployed their deck gun, while two master streams, one aerial and one portable, were put into operation.

A two-alarm fire completely destroyed a Burger King restaurant at 635 E. Capitol Expressway on Friday, November 10, 2006 just before 9:00 p.m. The fire appears to have started in the vicinity of the restaurant's fryer and extended into the structure's attic. Fire then self-vented through the roof requiring all firefighters to vacate the structure. Two master streams were placed into operation as the battle against the fire went defensive. Eventually the structure's roof collapsed and the fire was brought under control with no reported injuries.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2006 just before 1:00 a.m. San Jose Firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from an eight-unit, two-story office building at 5589 Winfield Blvd. on San Jose's South side. First arriving units discovered smoke and flames in one of the first floor offices. Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack, but were confronted with heavy smoke and fire conditions that steadily worsened as the fire spread from the first to the second floor. Crews were ordered to vacate the roof and the interior of the building as second and third alarms were struck. Tactics went from offensive to defensive utilizing water-pipes delivered by Truck 18, Truck 9 and Truck 3.

To view further images visit www.emergencyphoto.com

Submitted by: Craig Allan Rose, SJFD, Photographer

Posted by: Captain, Alberto Olmos, SJFD, PIO