120 Displaced By 5-Alarm San Jose Apartment Complex Fire
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – A five-alarm fire at an apartment complex in San Jose Tuesday morning displaced 120 people, city officials said.
Investigators found that the fire began in a second floor unit kitchen and spread to damage 36 apartments.
All of the apartments on the second and third floor of the building have been declared out of commission, according to city officials.
The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. at 2079 McLaughlin Ave., San Jose Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow said.
Four people were taken to the hospital after fire crews arrived and found people trying to use ropes and sheets to climb down from balconies of the building, Matlow said.
15 people were treated at the scene but only the four required transport to hospitals. There were no deaths.
The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents at the complex's clubhouse. Families will receive cots, blankets, comfort kits and meal stipends, according to city officials.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo thanked the firefighters, city officials and emergency responders who helped residents as they left the burning building.
"Our thoughts remain with all of the families and individuals who have been displaced by this fire," he said in a statement.
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