On December 16, 2022, the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communication Center received reports of a two-vehicle traffic collision at the corner of San Pasqual Valley Rd and Stonecrest Lane. Firefighters from Station 7 along with CHP arrived on scene to find a Chevy pickup truck had rear-ended a stopped, 2-door coupe at a high rate of speed. The two occupants of the coupe were an adult male and his 11-year-old son. Both sustained moderate injuries and were transported to area hospitals. The pickup truck contained several one-gallon containers of pool chemicals, primarily Muriatic Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite (basically Clorox Bleach), that had spilled out into the bed of the truck and the gutter during the accident. San Diego County HAZMAT and SD City HAZMAT 1 were requested and responded to the scene. HAZMAT crews spent approximately 1-hour sorting through the crates and neutralizing the chemicals, so that none of these chemicals made their way to the storm drain. Once safe, the remaining containers were returned to the truck’s owner for transport away from the scene.
On December 16, 2022, Fire Crews and Chief Officers attended the 62nd Palomar College Basic Fire Academy Graduation ceremony to honor and congratulate newly promoted Firefighter/Paramedic Jake Stevens, and EMT Kalani Hawkshaw. Well done to the new Fire Academy Graduates!
On December 21, 2022 the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communication Center received reports of a fire at a vacant house on W. 2ndAvenue near S. Quince Street. The first engine company to arrive reported a single-story house fully involved with fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in approximately 20 minutes. There was no damage to adjacent structures and there were no injuries. Eighteen Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes ensuring the fire was completely extinguished. SDG&E assisted with ensuring electricity was disconnected. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Escondido Fire and Police.
On December 31, 2022 at approximately 8:17 p.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communication Center received reports of a vacant commercial building on fire at the corner of E. Valley Parkway and N. Ash Street. The first arriving Engine Company reported a working fire venting through the roof on arrival. Firefighters entered the structure and found fire in the attic space. Due to the advanced nature of the attic fire and sections of the roof collapsing, a second alarm was requested and changed to a defensive strategy deploying exterior hose lines and a master stream. It took forty Firefighters approximately 90 minutes to control the fire. Due to large areas of structural collapse, overhaul and mop up took nearly four and a half hours. Units from San Marcos Fire Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire District, Vista Fire Department, and Carlsbad Fire Department responded to assist. Escondido Police Department assisted with crowd control and managed the closure of a major intersection for the duration of the incident. SDG&E assisted with securing gas and electrical services to the building. One Firefighter sustained a minor injury. No civilians were injured. The cause and origin of the fire in being investigated by Escondido Fire Investigators in conjunction with the Escondido Police Department.
