On the evening of December 13, 2004 at approximately 5:53 p.m., Santa Clara Engine 4 responded to a smoke investigation in the area of 201 Douglane Avenue only to discover heavy smoke and fire from a one-story single family dwelling.
Once Engine 4 located the working structure fire, a full first alarm was dispatched including Santa Clara Engines 3 and 4, Truck 2, Rescue 2, and Battalion 1.
A second alarm was called shortly after the arrival of first alarm units due to difficult access conditions created by the homeowner filling the structure, in some cases, from floor to ceiling with garbage. According to firefighters that battled the blaze the entire structure, including the attic had been crammed full of refuse.
With the full first alarm units arriving on the scene it was determined that the roof would be cut to ventilate the structure. However, heavy smoke and flames required that all firefighters vacate the roof and eventually the entire structure turning the battle into a defensive operation.
After a second alarm was called, and Santa Clara Engine 5, Engine 7, Truck 10, and HAZMAT 9 began to arrive at the scene, the fire continued to burn in the back of the structure and in the attic.
The incident commander called a third alarm, which triggered a mutual aid response from the San Jose Fire Department including Truck 4, Engine 4, Engine 7, and Battalion 10.
Fortunately, there were no injuries caused by this fire, but the house was severely damaged and firefighters faced a tremendous amount of overhaul due to the amount of trash in the home.
