Just before 3 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 14, units of the San Jose Fire Department responded to a fire in a retail occupancy at 3020 Alum Rock Avenue on the city's east side.
Firefighters discovered a 15,000 square-foot Goodwill donation center and store with flames leaping from the roof.
The incident commander, Battalion Chief Jim Voreyer assisted by Battalion Chief Jim Stunkel, quickly transitioned from an offensive fire attack to a defensive posture, while calling for a second and third-alarm.
It appeared that the fire had been burning for some time prior to the firefighters' arrival making extinguishment extremely difficult.
Firefighters quickly deployed three aerial master streams, multiple hand lines, and at least two deck guns from Engines 2 and 34 to contain the blaze to the fire structure.
The entire building and its contents were lost to the flames and smoke. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
