On December 8th, the Escondido Police and Fire dispatch center received a report of a ringing fire alarm at Lake Bernardo Mobile Home Park (1202 Borden Road). A fire engine along with EPD officers were dispatched to investigate. On arrival, it appeared that there was no one at home and no signs of smoke or fire. As both police officers and firefighters investigated, smoke was detected to the rear of the residence. Firefighters entered the mobile home and found that it was filled with smoke. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished a small electrical fire behind furniture in an office space. Fortunately, thanks to the fire alarm system, there was minimal property damage.
Later the same day, a vegetation fire was reported in a canyon east of Vista Grande Glen. Nearby residents reported that explosions were heard prior to Fire Department arrival. The first arriving engine Captain reported a smoke column coming from the bottom of the canyon with no structures threatened. Firefighters hiked in and located the fire in a homeless encampment. Most of the camp and its contents were burned. It is suspected the sounds of explosions were from spray paint cans that had burned. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire that burned about a quarter acre of brush in addition to the encampment.
On March 10, the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association held its annual “Old Timers” luncheon in Chula Vista. Current Fire Department Chiefs from throughout San Diego County invite retired Chief Officers from their organizations to get together and honor those who built the rich history of the fire service in our area. This year there were nearly 90 attendees including four retired Chiefs from Escondido: retired Fire Chief Mike Lowry, retired Division Chief Tony Gossein, retired Division Chief Mike Calhoun and retired Division Chief Pete Montgomery.
During the week of December 6th through 10th, five new Firefighter Paramedics completed their second week of orientation training at Station #1’s fire tower. The training academy is three weeks long, is the foundation for their year-long probationary training, and includes everything from basic hose deployment to search and rescue.
