Crews remain at the scene of a massive fire at a Home Depot in South San Jose Sunday mopping and cleaning up after flames destroyed the store Saturday evening.
Investigators are still trying to assess what started the fire at the home improvement supply store at 920 Blossum Hill Road at approximately 6 p.m. that burned for nearly six hours. Fire crews got the blaze under control at 11:44 p.m.
Officials said Sunday night fire officials are investigating whether the two fires spotted by the helicopter crew - which were immediately reported to the San Jose Fire Department - were connected to the Home Depot fire.
A shelter in-place order was lifted for south San Jose residents Sunday after air quality improved. People living or working in the El Lisa Drive area were ordered to stay inside due to unhealthy air quality caused by drifting smoke.
The fire was intense enough to show up on radar systems, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the San Jose Fire Department, the fire is believed to have started in the lumber and drywall section of the store, but they continue to investigate what exactly caused the flames. Investigation is likely to take several days.
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The fire also fed on flammable materials and chemicals such as paint thinner, which made it harder to fight, Fire Battalion Chief Brad Cloutier said at a briefing.
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About 100 firefighters fought the blaze and protected nearby homes and businesses.
All the store's customers and employees escaped the fire safely. Officials said Sunday evening all the animals from a nearby vet hospital were safely evacuated, and a reunification site was set up at the nearby Golfland for pet owners. Any remaining animals were at San Jose Animal Care Center Sunday evening.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said on Twitter he's grateful for the San Jose Fire Department's "selfless and brave actions, rushing to contain the massive fire at Home Depot, continually keeping our community safe through round the clock service."
"I am also thankful for all responding agencies' rapid response to protect our residents," he said.
Hazmat teams assessed the scene to check air quality which was deemed unhealthy.
No injuries have been reported.
The Associated Press and Bay City News contributed to this report.
