A roaring garage fire on the 3100 block of Moorpark Avenue forced evacuations and drew a second alarm in San José yesterday, but firefighters managed to knock down the main blaze without any reported injuries. Crews hit their key benchmark at 6:41 PM, when the primary fire in the garage was declared under control, though officials said flames were still burning in the garage attic. Neighbors were urged to stay away from the area while firefighters worked to fully extinguish the remaining hot spots and conduct an overhaul.
According to the San José Fire Dept., crews initially responded to a working garage fire at a multi-family residential building, then quickly upgraded the call from a "full first" to a second alarm as conditions escalated. The department reported that residents had been evacuated and repeated its plea for the public to avoid the block while operations continued.
UPDATE: Previously a full first now upgraded to a 2nd alarm. Knockdown achieved on main fire in garage, but fire is still working in garage attic.
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) July 22, 2026
Main fire knockdown: 6:41 pm.
Firefighting Update
The San José Fire Dept. posted on X, noting that the blaze was still "working in garage attic" as crews continued to chase lingering fire overhead and secure the scene.
Why Attic Involvement Matters
Attic fires are notoriously tricky because flames can travel through hidden voids and roof assemblies, which makes both extinguishment and overhaul more complex and time-consuming. NFPA research notes that while fires that start in garages represent only a small slice of all home fires, they can cause disproportionately heavy damage and demand meticulous checks for fire extension.
What Residents Should Expect
People living along Moorpark Avenue can expect fire crews to remain on scene for overhaul and for investigators to examine how the blaze began. As of the latest update from the department, the cause had not yet been released. Anyone displaced or unsure of next steps can find guidance on temporary housing and recovery assistance through the San José Fire Department resources for what to do after a fire.
