San Jose

Firefighters Control Fire at Santa Clara Non-Profit's Donation Center

Firefighters responded to the scene of a fire burning outside a Santa Clara non-profit's donation center in the 3100 block of Alfred Street on Friday afternoon, bringing it under control.

Santa Clara Fire Chief Bill Kelly said crews arrived about 4:15 p.m. to fight the 1-alarm blaze. NBC Bay Area's chopper flying over the scene spotted at least three Hope Services trucks on fire outside the distribution center. Trees and storage bins were also visibly on fire, but no structures appeared to have been affected.

"When firefighters got on scene they found a significant amount of smoke coming from those vehicles as well as the bins and landscaping in that area," Kelly said in an interview conducted live on NBC Bay Area. "Luckily, we were able to get water on that fire and should keep it to a single alarm."

The fire appeared to be under control by about 5 p.m.

Kelly said investigators would have to be called in to determine what caused the fire. He said he's not aware of any past issues at the Hope Services donation center.

Despite the fire's proximity to San Jose's international airport, SJC spokesperson Rosemary Barnes said air traffic was not affected.

No injuries have been reported, and most of the workers had already gone home for the weekend. Investigators said had the fire happened earlier, the situation could have been worse than property damage.

The trucks were destroyed, along with the donated goods inside. While the trucks are insured and replaceable, the donated goods are a complete loss.

The organization said it is hoping people can step up with more donations.

Hope Services was founded in 1952. The non-profit aims to help people with developmental disabilities, including autism, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, with training and job placement.

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