Firefighters from Sunnyvale's Department of Public Safety were assisted by units from the City of Mountain View, City of Santa Clara, and the Santa Clara County Fire Department after fire broke out in a two-story, multiple occupancy apartment building at 616 Morse Avenue just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
The blaze started when a resident who was using a barbeque on the second-story landing ignited a large tree adjacent to the apartment building. Fire quickly spread from the tree to the structure, eventually penetrating the attic space, and running the length of the building.
With heavy smoke and flames advancing rapidly throughout the structure, firefighters worked tirelessly to minimize the fire's damage. However, at least nine of the 18 apartments were damaged by fire with several others suffering water damage.
Under the direction of Sunnyvale Battalion Chief Chris Carrion, firefighters were able to control the blaze in just over two hours.
There were no injuries and displaced residents are receiving housing assistance from the Red Cross.
