On April 23, the Fire Department acknowledged and thanked its robust Support Volunteer team in recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Month.
In 2023, the Escondido Fire Support Volunteers volunteered a whopping 3,474 hours. The volunteers assist the Fire Department with mail distribution between the seven fire stations, headquarters and City Hall. In addition to providing firefighter rehab during major events, they also assist the department with public education, volunteering at events such as the street fairs and National Night Out.
In the morning of April 23, Escondido Fire responded to a traffic accident that resulted in a car driving into a gas pump, shearing it, and pinning a person under the gas pump. Firefighters quickly lifted the debris with rescue equipment and extricated the victim.
On April 25, Escondido Fire units extinguished a semi-truck tractor fire on Interstate 15 at the El Norte exit. During the overhaul phase it was discovered a fuel tank had been damaged. San Diego County Hazardous Incident Response Team was contacted and responded to the scene along with San Diego Hazardous Materials Team. The El Norte Parkway off ramp was closed for nearly 3 hours while the hazard was mitigated and the tractor and trailer were removed.
