This morning, the San José Fire Department battled a third-alarm fire at a large mixed-use Buddhist temple on the 90 block of Foss Avenue. The two-story building, which had previously sustained fire damage, was unoccupied at the time the fire broke out. The fire department's call to action was logged at 5:37 AM, with crews dispatched to address the blaze, as per the San José Fire Department.
#SJFD has a third alarm responding to a structure fire at a large 2-story building on the 90 block of Foss Ave. Structure is mixed-use Buddhist temple that previously sustained fire damage. No occupants at time of fire. Traffic closed on Foss. Please avoid the area.
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) January 5, 2026
TOC: 5:37am pic.twitter.com/Hl28ors7m5
The fire required extensive efforts to control, prompting firefighters to use multiple aerial master streams amid a partial roof collapse. Despite the severity of the fire, no injuries were reported. The power and utilities to the structure were secured to prevent further hazards, the fire department confirmed.
Residents and commuters faced significant disruptions as traffic around Foss Avenue came to a halt. Traffic lights were out on Alum Rock Avenue, spanning from 680 to Sunset Avenue, amplifying the day's congestion. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes until conditions improved.
