Vacant building in West San Jose goes up in flames, impacting traffic

Firefighters rushed out to West San Jose Friday evening to battle a fire at a vacant two-story building. 

Fire crews said the fire was reported at about 5 p.m. near Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway. 

Battalion Chief Shawn Tacklind said crews were worried about interior collapses due to the damage from the fire. He said there was a partial collapse on the second story, forcing crews to pull back about 50 feet from the structure. 

Photos of the scene showed a building in the Kato Business Square producing a heavy black smoke. 

Traffic is impacted in the area as crews battle the fire. People are urged to avoid the area. 

Saratoga Avenue is closed in both directions between Prospect Road and Lawrence Expressway, crews said. Lawrence Expressway is shut down at Saratoga Avenue.

It's unknown what started the fire. No injuries have been reported.