San Jose Firefighter in Stable Condition in Hospital Burn Unit

A San Jose firefighter injured in a fire at a West San Jose apartment building early Thursday remains in the burn unit of a local hospital recovering from second-degree burns, according to fire officials.

The firefighter, a 15-year-veteran of the department, fell through the roof while battling a blaze that broke out at a fourplex on the 3700 block of Underwood Drive around 2:40 a.m., department spokeswoman Mary Gutierrez said.

He suffered second-degree burns and injuries to his hands, waist area and below his waist, but was in stable condition as of Friday evening and is expected to recover from his injuries, Gutierrez said.

The fire, which displaced 17 residents, started on the bottom floor and spread upward to the attic, Gutierrez said. Crews arriving on the scene saw flames coming from the eaves and sides of the building.

All residents were evacuated and the American Red Cross provided assistance to the displaced residents this morning, Gutierrez said.

The fire's cause remains under investigation, but was likely a burning candle left unattended by a resident on the first floor.

The fire was knocked down at 3:38 a.m. and declared under control shortly before 6:30 a.m. Around 70 firefighters, including mutual aid assistance from the Santa Clara County Fire Department, responded to the fire, Gutierrez said.

Those interested in helping burn victims can contact the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, a nonprofit that assists in the treatment and care of burn survivors and their families. For more information, got to sjfirefightersburnfoundation.org.