SJ's Kelley House Damaged by Fire

The fire caused Happy Hollow Zoo officials to open the gates free of charge Thursday.

A piece of San Jose history went up in smoke Thursday morning.

Firefighters responded to a 911 call at Kelley Park and found the Kelley House ablaze.

The two-story historical house at 1300 Senter Road suffered heavy damage, including a partial collapse. 

The house has been empty for years. It was once owned by some of the early pioneer families of San Jose.

It has been both abandoned and boarded up for years. 

A room that held historical documents was spared, according to firefighters who said they were able to remove the paperwork safely.

The building is on the same property as Happy Hollow Zoo. 

The upper zoo, which is located near the fire, will be closed at least part of the day.

There is some good news: because of the fire, the zoo is free of charge Thursday.

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