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4 displaced after 3-alarm San Jose house fire extends to another home, officials say

Massive 3-Alarm Fire Engulfs Residential Building in San Jose: Crews Battle Blaze on Gavota Avenue

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- In a dramatic scene unfolding in the heart of San Jose, emergency crews rushed to the scene of a raging 3-alarm fire that tore through a residential building on Gavota Avenue early Wednesday morning. The blaze, which erupted just before dawn, sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky, visible for miles and prompting a swift and coordinated response from local firefighters. Eyewitnesses described the fire as "intense and fast-moving," with flames leaping from windows and rooftops, illuminating the pre-dawn darkness in an eerie orange glow. As the situation escalated, authorities upgraded the incident to a third alarm, calling in additional resources to combat the inferno that threatened not only the affected structure but also neighboring homes in this densely populated residential neighborhood.

The fire was first reported around 4:30 a.m. when residents in the multi-unit apartment building at the 500 block of Gavota Avenue awoke to the smell of smoke and the sound of crackling flames. According to initial reports from the San Jose Fire Department, the blaze originated on the lower floors of the two-story structure, quickly spreading upward and outward due to a combination of dry conditions and possibly flammable materials stored within the building. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes of the initial 911 calls, but the intensity of the fire forced them to adopt a defensive strategy initially, focusing on containing the spread rather than immediately entering the building. "We had heavy fire showing from multiple windows upon arrival," said San Jose Fire Captain Elena Ramirez in a press briefing shortly after the incident. "Our primary concern was ensuring the safety of residents and preventing the fire from jumping to adjacent properties."

As the fire grew in ferocity, the department escalated the response to a second alarm at approximately 4:45 a.m., bringing in more engines, ladder trucks, and personnel from surrounding stations. By 5:15 a.m., with flames fully engulfing the roof and reports of structural instability, a third alarm was sounded, mobilizing even more resources, including mutual aid from nearby fire departments in Santa Clara County. In total, over 60 firefighters were on the scene, equipped with hoses, aerial ladders, and thermal imaging cameras to locate hot spots and potential victims. The operation was a testament to the coordinated efforts of first responders, who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, including low visibility from smoke and the risk of collapsing walls.

The residential building, believed to house around 20 to 30 occupants across several units, was a mix of families, young professionals, and elderly residents. Fortunately, early evacuations prevented any fatalities, but the fire did result in several injuries. Two residents were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital, and one firefighter sustained minor burns while attempting to ventilate the building. "I heard screams and saw people running out in their pajamas," recounted Maria Gonzalez, a neighbor who lives across the street. "It was chaos—kids crying, dogs barking, and the heat was so intense you could feel it from blocks away." Gonzalez, like many others, grabbed what she could and fled her own home as embers rained down, sparking small spot fires in nearby yards that firefighters quickly extinguished.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with arson not yet ruled out, though preliminary assessments point to possible electrical issues or an unattended cooking appliance. Fire investigators from the San Jose Fire Department's arson unit were on site by mid-morning, sifting through the charred remains for clues. "We're looking at all possibilities," Captain Ramirez noted. "Fires like this can start from something as simple as a faulty outlet, especially in older buildings like this one, which dates back to the 1970s." The structure itself suffered extensive damage, with the roof partially collapsed and interior walls gutted by flames. Estimates suggest the building may be a total loss, displacing all its residents and leaving them in need of immediate housing assistance.

In the wake of the blaze, local organizations and city officials stepped in to provide support. The American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at a nearby community center, offering blankets, food, and counseling to those affected. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims: "Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this devastating fire. The city is committed to helping them rebuild their lives, and we'll work closely with fire officials to determine how this happened and prevent future tragedies." Community members also rallied, with neighbors organizing donation drives for clothing, toiletries, and other essentials. One resident, Javier Lopez, who lost his apartment in the fire, shared his story: "We had just a few minutes to get out. I grabbed my daughter and ran. Everything else is gone—photos, clothes, memories. But we're alive, and that's what matters."

This incident highlights broader concerns about fire safety in San Jose's residential areas, where aging infrastructure and increasing population density can exacerbate risks. The city has seen a uptick in structure fires over the past year, attributed in part to drier weather patterns influenced by climate change and the lingering effects of California's wildfire seasons. Fire officials often remind residents of the importance of smoke alarms, escape plans, and avoiding common hazards like overloaded electrical circuits. In fact, the San Jose Fire Department has been running public awareness campaigns, urging homeowners and renters to conduct regular safety checks. "A working smoke detector can mean the difference between life and death," emphasized Ramirez. "We encourage everyone to test theirs monthly and replace batteries as needed."

As cleanup efforts began, crews worked to secure the site, demolishing unstable sections of the building to prevent further hazards. Traffic on Gavota Avenue was diverted for several hours, causing minor disruptions to the morning commute, but by noon, the area was largely under control. Environmental teams monitored air quality due to the smoke, advising nearby residents to stay indoors if they experienced respiratory issues. The fire's economic impact is still being assessed, but preliminary figures suggest damages could exceed $500,000, not including the intangible losses faced by those who called the building home.

In reflecting on the event, it's clear that while the physical structure can be rebuilt, the emotional toll on the community will take time to heal. Stories of heroism emerged, such as a resident who helped an elderly neighbor escape through a back window, or the firefighters who risked their lives to search every room for stragglers. These acts underscore the resilience of San Jose's residents and the dedication of its emergency services. As investigations continue, authorities are hopeful that lessons learned from this blaze will lead to enhanced safety measures citywide.

The fire on Gavota Avenue serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of such disasters and the critical role of preparedness. For those affected, the road to recovery begins now, supported by a community that has shown its strength in times of crisis. Updates on the investigation and recovery efforts will be provided as more information becomes available, but for now, the focus remains on aiding the displaced and ensuring no such incident repeats itself. In a city as vibrant as San Jose, where diverse neighborhoods thrive, events like this test the bonds of community—but they also reinforce them.

Read the Full ABC7 San Francisco Article at:
[ https://abc7news.com/post/crews-responding-3-alarm-residential-building-fire-gavota-ave-san-jose/17263646/ ]