On Saturday, February 6, the Escondido Fire Department reserve Ladder Truck participated in a procession of fire apparatus from Rancho Santa Fe to the celebration of life service in Vista for Rancho Santa Fe Fire Captain Chris Mertz who recently passed away from COVID-19. The procession traveled through Escondido along Valley Parkway to I-15 to Highway 78. On duty Escondido fire crews and police officers along with San Marcos Fire and San Diego County Sheriff Deputies honored Captain Mertz at freeway overpasses when the procession passed by.
Escondido Police officers assisted CHP with traffic control at intersections. The outdoor celebration of life was attended by many members of fire departments from around southern California along with Captain Mertz’s family and friends.
On Saturday, February 6, at approximately 4:30 p.m., an Escondido ambulance returning from the hospital reported smoke near SR-78 and the Metcalf overpass. Fire crews were dispatched and reported heavy smoke. The response was upgraded to a full vegetation fire response. On arrival crews found a homeless encampment that was destroyed and the flames had spread to the adjacent brush. The fire was quickly extinguished before it could impact traffic on WB SR-78. Fire Investigators responded to determine cause and origin of the fire. EPD officers assisted with traffic control.
