On Thursday, April 12 at 1:38 p.m., units of the San Jose, Calif. Fire Department responded to multiple reports of a garbage truck fire.
Firefighters responded under the direction of Battalion Chief Gary Weekley to the scene on the right hand shoulder of northbound Interstate 880 just north of Bascom Avenue.
Upon their arrival, Engine Company 10, led by Captain Edward Scanlon, immediately stretched a line and began initial fire attack.
Engine Company 7, led by Captain Jim Voreyer, responded to a strategic location on Davis Street -- immediately opposite of the freeway sound wall -- to protect exposures and provide a water supply.
Because the cab of the truck was destroyed by the fire the load could not be emptied on scene.
Once the fire was knocked down it was decided to tow the garbage truck. A California Highway Patrol aided in the escort to the Waste Management yard to unload the truck and complete any necessary overhaul.
Traffic in the area was snarled for well over an hour.
