Carport fire destroys cars at San Jose apartment complex as residents describe hearing explosions
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A carport fire destroyed about 10 vehicles overnight at an apartment complex in San Jose, prompting a 2-alarm response, authorities said.
The fire was reported around 2 a.m. Thursday at the New Horizon Apartments near West Alma Avenue. The fire was extinguished, but numerous vehicles remained heavily damaged.
ABC7 Eyewitness News video shows the carport engulfed in flames and aftermath video from the scene showed charred and destroyed cars in the carport area, along with water left behind from firefighting efforts. Fire crews remained at the complex to ensure the area was safe.
One resident told ABC7 Eyewitness News he heard explosions as the fire unfolded. Another woman said her window shattered and she feared the fire would spread to her apartment.
Top Stories
According to the San Jose Fire Department, crews upgraded the response after arriving at the scene.
"Once units arrived on scene, they began firefighting operations and then upgraded to a second alarm," said Batt. Chief Robert Herrera of the San Jose Fire Department. "The damage was located and just kind of localized in the carport vehicle areas between the two complexes. Actually two different complexes. Some of the vehicles that were on the other side of the fence were also damaged."
Herrera said the damage was concentrated in vehicle storage areas between two apartment complexes, though vehicles on the opposite side of a fence were also affected.
No injuries were reported.
The arson unit is investigating the fire, which officials said is a standard part of the response. Investigators have taped off part of the carport area and are asking residents to stay away while the investigation continues.
