On Monday, Oct. 18, at 9:56 p.m., Mountain View Communications received a 911 call reporting dark gray smoke coming from the back of a single-story strip mall at 903 E El Camino Real.

Units were dispatched at 9:56 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 9:59 p.m. Fire unit encountered flames coming from the center of the roof of the building. The building occupants had self-evacuated from the complex, the southbound lane of traffic on El Camino Real was closed, and the nearby hotel was evacuated.

Firefighters began an offensive attack of the flames with pre-connected hose lines. A second alarm was called, thus adding additional resources to the incident. Four Chief Officers, five engines, three trucks, one rescue, and one squad were at the incident fighting the fire. Water was pumped through the one-hundred-foot ladders to knock down the flames. Crews cut open the roof and walls to ensure the fire was out.

The hotel occupants returned to their rooms which were not affected. Traffic was reopened to the southbound direction of El Camino Real.

The fire was extinguished with no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The estimated damage to the contents and structure is estimated to be $500,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.