BAY CITY NEWS SERVICE
San Jose Mercury News (California)

Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a two-alarm fire in the basement of a San Jose State University dormitory building this morning, a fire battalion chief said.

Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at Joe West Hall, a 12-story building located near South Ninth and East San Salvador streets, at 1:58 p.m.

Battalion Chief Robert Sapien said the fire and explosion involved a generator in the basement and some diesel fuel, but the exact cause is under investigation.

Fifty firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, which was controlled at about 2:35 p.m., Sapien said. The damage was limited to the generator and the immediate area around the generator.

Sapien said residents of the building were evacuated, but are expected to be allowed to return later today.

Students are still on campus for summer programs, but Sapien said the building was "lightly occupied."

There were no reports of injuries.

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June 16, 2009