On June 21, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a fire in an abandoned building on the corner of W. Mission Avenue and Rock Springs Road. The first arriving unit reported a working fire with multiple transients exiting the building. Although the building was abandoned, Firefighters performed an aggressive interior fire attack followingreports of additional occupants in the building.
The fire was contained in approximately 40 minutes and a search of the building revealed no additional people inside. Complete extinguishment took nearly 2 hours due to large amounts of debris throughout the building.
A total of 4 Engine Companies, 2 Truck Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulances, and 2 Battalion Chiefs were called to assist. Additional assistance was provided by the San Marcos Fire Department, Escondido Police Department, and SDG&E. No Firefighters or civilians were injured in this incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
On June 24, 2023, Firefighters/Paramedics attended a special training session put on by one of our local businesses, Fix Auto. The auto extrication event was hosted by the National Auto Body Council at the training facility at Fire Station #1. The training was two part; a classroom portion focusing on Electric Vehicles and a hands-on segment with donated vehicles to “cut” apart. Firefighters were able to practice techniques while several local dignitaries observed. Escondido Mayor Dane White, Councilmember Michael Morasco, representatives from County Supervisor Desmond’s office and Chief John Tenger were all in attendance. Mayor White and Councilmember Morasco donned personal protective equipment and performed vehicle extrication techniques alongside the crews using our newest electric hydraulic tools. A big thanks to all of them for taking time out of their weekend to spend with us.
