On June 21, 2026 at approximately 4:08 PM, units from the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 260 N. Midway Drive. The first arriving Engine reported smoke and fire visible on the second floor of a two-story apartment building.
Firefighters made an aggressive interior fire attack and were able to contain the fire to the unit origin in approximately 15 minutes. Fire damage to the involved apartment was extensive, but limited to the second-floor rooms. Smoke and water damaged an adjacent apartment making it temporarily uninhabitable.
An adult female and a teenage male were treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation. Both were transported to UCSD Hillcrest Burn Center by Escondido Fire Department Rescue Ambulances.
Four adults and a child were displaced from a neighboring apartment. They were assisted with temporary lodging by the American Red Cross.
SDG&E responded to isolate gas and electrical service to the affected apartments.
In total, 20 Firefighters from the Escondido and San Marcos Fire Departments were on scene for approximately 90 minutes performing salvage and overhaul operations. The Escondido Police Department assisted with temporary evacuations and traffic control.
The cause and origin is currently being determined through a joint investigation by Escondido Fire Department Investigators and Escondido Police Department Officers.
