By Khalida Sarwari
A fire that burned two units of a San Jose apartment complex this afternoon was caused by a hand-held firework, a fire department spokesman said.
A sparkler apparently caused the three-alarm fire at 2275 South Bascom Ave. The blaze was reported at 1:16 p.m. and was controlled by 3:10 p.m., fire Capt. Chuck Rangel said.
He said two units of a 20-unit building were involved and that some of the occupants that were evacuated are being allowed to return.
The two units sustained heavy fire damage, but no one was injured.
A fire investigator determined the fire was caused by illegal use of fireworks and was accidental in nature, Rangel said.
“San Jose fire wants to remind all residents that all fireworks are illegal, including sparklers which can cause fire damage and injuries,” Rangel said.
The fire started on the first floor balcony area of a unit, he said.
Firefighters from the Santa Clara County Fire Department also assisted in the response to the blaze.