San Jose Firefighters Battle Apartment Four-Alarmer

Five people suffered minor injuries and at least six dozen others were displaced after a four-alarm fire damaged several units late Sunday night at the Del Coronado Apartments at 5255 Camden Avenue.

San Jose Fire Capt. Reggie Williams said all five victims told rescuers they had problems breathing; two were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment of chest pains.

Williams said a 911 caller reported the fire at 9:07 p.m., and fire units were dispatched by 9:08 p.m. He said the apartment complex burned so quickly it ultimately escalated to four alarms and required 76 firefighters, including two additional crews from the city of Santa Clara and one from Santa Clara County.

Williams said the fire was finally brought under control by 10:34 p.m.

Firefighters are still trying to determine how and where the blaze began in the two-story building, which Williams estimated includes more than 20 units. He said he did not yet know the estimated cost of damage.

About 60 residents were displaced in the aftermath, Williams said, and the fire department is in touch with the local the Red Cross chapter for assistance.

Copyright 2012 - San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service