Date: 11/03/2009
Joe West Hall has been reopened after the San José Fire Department responded to reports of smoke inside the building. A housekeeper pulled an alarm after noticing smoke at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 3. The structure was evacuated, no one was injured, and damages were minimal. Preliminary reports suggest the cause of the blaze was a piece of paper ignited on an upper floor. Smoke from the flame circulated through the building via the elevator shaft and HVAC system. Joe West is home to approximately 500 residents.