On June 23, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a residential structure fire at 635 N. Hickory St., at the MAAC Child Development Center. The first arriving Captain found an outside awning covering a play structure on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the canvas fire and confirmed that there was no spread of the fire to the adjoining building. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was determined to be mylar helium balloons that had landed on a nearby power pole and shorted the wire causing a power outage. The balloons caught fire and landed on the awning. San Diego Gas and Electric responded and removed the remaining balloons from the power lines and safely restored power.
On June 25, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a residential structure fire in the area of Kenora Street and Boyle Avenue. Escondido Police Officers in the area reported smoke, identified the correct location of the fire on Queenston Drive, and evacuated the occupants of the home. The first arriving Captain reported a fire on the rear portion of the residence that extended into the attic. While firefighters contained the fire to the kitchen and adjacent dining area, the fire had spread quickly throughout the attic causing extensive damage. It took 20 firefighters approximately 45 minutes to extinguish the fire. While searching the residence, firefighters rescued two small dogs that were uninjured. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The residents were provided a $250 Supplying Aid to Victim of Emergency (SAVE) card from the California Fire Foundation to assist with immediate needs.
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, residents and visitors are reminded that all fireworks are illegal to purchase, possess or use in Escondido and throughout San Diego County. That includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, and even sparklers.
Fireworks are extremely dangerous and their use can easily cause serious injuries and start fires. Everyone needs to remember that ALL fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, and for good reason. Considering the dry grass and brush in and around Escondido, anyone thinking about buying and using illegal fireworks needs to understand that negligently causing a fire can result in criminal and financial consequences. The use of illegal fireworks should be reported to the Escondido Police Department by calling 760-839-4722.
In addition to property damage, fireworks can also cause serious injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, including children and teens, are injured every year while using consumer fireworks. Even something as “harmless” as a sparkler, which burns at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause critical injuries and pose a serious fire hazard. Additionally, the NFPA states that nationally two out of five fires reported on Independence Day are started by fireworks.
Escondido residents can turn in fireworks, no questions asked, from Saturday, June 25 until Tuesday, July 5 at any Escondido Fire Station. The purpose of the Fireworks Collection Campaign is to reduce the number of fires and injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
The risk from using fireworks is just too high! Please leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the show at Grape Day Park starting at 9 p.m. The community is welcome to enjoy the fireworks show from anywhere in central Escondido including Grape Day Park. The fireworks will be launched from their typical location in the Woodward Avenue parking lot. Grape Day Park will be open past dusk with regulations in place – no dogs, BBQs, or alcohol.
Learn more about the entire day’s events here: https://artcenter.org/event/57th-annual-independence-day-concert-and-fireworks/
