Firefighters Knock Down Major Santa Clara Condo Complex Blaze

SANTA CLARA, CA — Firefighters have contained a large, 4-alarm condominium complex fire Friday at the corner of El Camino and Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara, the city fire department reported.

As the 11 a.m. fire call went into the afternoon, the top-heavy blaze that affected the second and third floors of the four-story building zoned for residential and commercial use still has some hot spots fire crews are dealing with. There are significant overhaul and mop up operations underway for an undetermined period of time.

El Camino Real was closed between Scott Boulevard and Lincoln Street. Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. An evacuation was ordered for Pierce and Clay streets, as residents and nearby businesses left the area.

One worker at the construction site of Anantara Villas located at 1890 El Camino Real suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to a local hospital.

"Our big concern is that it's an open construction building," Battalion Chief Drew Miller told Patch. "The likelihood of going into the interior is extremely difficult."

The risk involves a tumbling mound of lumber collapsing on firefighters, a notable consideration with much development going on in Santa Clara.

The cause is under investigation, and it's unclear this early to determine that.

A person of interest was detained but later released after questioning.

Miller believes electrical may have been laid in the building, but many things can spark a fire of a structure being built such as equipment connecting with wood and other flammable materials.

The construction company would need to make a determination if the building is a total loss, but based on experience, it doesn't look promising for this complex, Miller indicated.

Fire crews were diligent about monitoring downwind embers for fear other buildings would catch on fire. They went door to door to urge people to leave their homes.

Santa Clara Fire called out a tour de force of resources including 10 engines, three trucks, five chiefs, rescue air and light units as well as two ambulances on scene to assist with this emergency.

"We threw everything we had at it," Miller said.

Residents were told to consider closing windows, limiting outdoor activities and ensuring pets stay indoors. Those who evacuated were expected to return Friday evening.