On January 21, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in the area of the 900 block of Howard Ave. A large smoke column was seen from a distance and a working structure fire upgrade was requested. The first arriving engine Captain reported a double-wide mobile home with heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure.
Containment and control of the fire were achieved in approximately 60 minutes. Crews were on scene for several hours performing salvage, over hall and ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished. Several factors challenged firefighters; a solar system with large amounts of Lithium Ion batteries were involved requiring a Hazardous Materials response as well as a broken natural gas main.
Five fire engines, one ladder truck, two rescue ambulances, and two Chief Officers responded to the fire. Assistance was provided by the Escondido Police, San Marcos Fire Department, San Diego Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, and the San Diego County Hazardous Materials Unit. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians during the incident.
On January 22, Firefighters responded to a vehicle accident on the interchange of Eastbound Highway 78 and Southbound I-15. Multiple vehicles were involved requiring the interchange to be shut down for a period of time. Several patients were treated on scene and transported to Palomar Hospital.
On January 22, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in a home at 522 West 2nd Ave (across the street from Mi Guadalajara restaurant). A smoke column was seen from a distance and a working structure fire upgrade was requested. The first arriving Captain reported small unoccupied home well involved with fire with arcing powerlines and another building threatened on the east side of the home.
Firefighters contained the fire to the home in approximately 10 minutes and were on scene for about two hours ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished. SDG&E was requested to secure the powerlines. Four fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue ambulance, and two Chief Officers responded to the fire. Assistance was provided by Escondido Police and the San Marcos Fire Department.
Approximately 30 minutes after firefighters cleared the scene, another fire was reported at the same location. The first arriving Captain reported that the home was fully involved in fire. The second fire was contained and controlled within 20 minutes.
At the time of the fires, the home was unoccupied and boarded up. The causes of both fires at this home are under investigation and arson is suspected. Anyone with information about these fires is encouraged to contact Escondido Police Department’s arson detective at 760 839-4776.
There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians during the incidents.
