On November 18, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a possible fire in the area of the 600 block of North Fig Street and dispatched a structure fire response. While responding several fire units reported a large smoke column from a distance. The first arriving Captain reported a single-story, single-family residence with a large amount of smoke and fire in the garage and possibly spreading into the structure. Firefighters contained and controlled the fire in approximately 20 minutes. While the home sustained fire damage throughout the dwelling, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Unfortunately, a dog and five puppies perished in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. A gift card provided by the California Fire Foundation was given to the residents for immediate emergency assistance.
On November 19, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a possible outdoor fire in the areas of Metcalf and Lincoln. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a fire in a homeless encampment located on Caltrans property. Quick action by the firefighters extinguished the fire. There were no injuries.
On November 22, Escondido Fire responded to a report of a vegetation fire in the area of W. 11th Ave. The first arriving firefighters saw a small fire, moving at a slow rate, on an embankment at the rear corner of the parking lot. The crew quickly contained and controlled the fire; however, it did cause damage to some shipping containers. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. This area is frequented by homeless encampments and was likely started by a warming fire. Fire Prevention is investigating.
On November 24, firefighters were dispatched to the area of 7th and Chestnut for a reported structure fire. On arrival, firefighters saw a small fire found along the fence line. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and there was no damage to the fence or adjacent structures.
On November 26, the Escondido Police and Communication Center received reports of a multi-residential structure near the 1900 block of E. Grand Avenue. On arrival, firefighters reported a working fire on a second story patio of the apartment complex. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and avoid damage to nearby residents. Damage was limited to personal items on the patio and smoke inside the apartment. The smoke was removed using electric fans and the residents were able to remain in their home.
Also, on November 26, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a chimney fire located at 943 Viletta Drive. When the first fire engine arrived, smoke appeared to be coming from the rear corner of the structure. The residents were met out front and it was confirmed there were no occupants inside. Upon further investigation, a large amount of smoke was found inside the residence coming from the fireplace and chimney area. Incident command was established and a working fire upgrade was dispatched to the fire. Aggressive action by the firefighters contained and controlled the smoldering fire in approximately 15 minutes, preventing additional fire spread to the remainder of the house. Thorough overhaul work was required to confirm the fire was extinguished in the fireplace and chimney area. There were no injuries to firefighters. In all, nineteen firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. SDSO responded for initial traffic control, and SDGE was dispatched to address utilities. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
