On April 5, the Escondido Fire Department responded to a broken and blowing natural gas line that was severed during construction activity. SDG&E technicians responded and secured the gas leak while firefighters stood by in protective gear and with charged hose lines in case the gas ignited.
On April 5, Escondido Fire conducted one of three wildfire preparedness training sessions at Ryan Park. The training included radio use, hose lays, strategy and tactics and fire shelter deployment. This annual training is important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our firefighters as the weather warms up and they are deployed to vegetation fires.
On April 6, firefighters from Station #1 visited San Pasqual Elementary School and assisted with their 5th Grade Egg Drop competition. Students and firefighters enjoyed testing the kids’
engineering designs to see if an egg could withstand the fall from the ladder.
On April 8, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in a two-story apartment complex unit located at the Pepperwood Arms Condos, 1817 E Grand Ave. The first arriving Engine Captain reported smoke showing from a distance and requested additional resources. When fire units arrived, smoke and flames were encountered on a second story unit balcony with extension into the living area and attic space of the building. Due to the size of the building and potential for fire spread, a second alarm of fire units was requested.
The apartment unit of fire origin sustained smoke and fire damage to the interior, with fire extending to the roof and attic crawl space above. There was additional damage to some neighboring units to ensure no hidden fire was contained in the walls. Aggressive action by the firefighters contained the fire in approximately 30 minutes, however the attic required extensive overhaul to confirm the fire was completely extinguished.
Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. In all, 31 firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. Assistance was provided by San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, and Valley Center Fire Departments. Escondido Police provided scene safety and road closures. The Red Cross assisted the displaced residents, and several California Fire Foundation “SAVE”, pre-paid gift cards were distributed to the residents impacted by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Last week, Escondido Fire Explorer Ashley Grncarevski spoke during “career day” at her brother’s 4th grade class at Live Oak Elementary School. Ashley showed the kids her safety gear and spoke to them about fire safety. Ashely recently graduated high school and plans to begin her EMT training soon and she hopes to one day work for Escondido Fire as a Firefighter Paramedic.
