On May 22, Escondido Fire, along with our neighboring cities, honored the life of Vista Firefighter Paramedic Andy Valenta who passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fire apparatus and personnel lined the overpasses on the procession route that led to Firefighter Paramedic Valenta’s celebration of life service.
On Saturday May 22, the City held a volunteer Fire Hydrant painting event in the neighborhoods around Fire Station 6. Families volunteered their time to make sure our fire hydrants are visible and that any leaks or maintenance issues were identified and reported. This is invaluable help for both the City’s Water Department and Fire Department, and a great way to get involved in the community. In fact, two families with high-school aged students were volunteering and gaining hours toward their community service requirements. Another family had two young children who learned the value of pitching in and being part of their community.
On Saturday May 22, two Escondido Fire brush engines were dispatched to a vegetation fire just north of Deer Springs Road on the west side of I-15. The fire occurred in the early afternoon and showed early signs of rapid spread and spotting. Escondido Firefighters along with San Marcos and Vista ground units assisted CAL FIRE and contained the fire by 8 p.m.
On Sunday May 23, at 5:27 p.m., a single vehicle crashed into the front of the building at 270 E. Via Rancho Parkway. One patient was transported with minor injuries. Westfield property management was notified and the City’s Building Department responded to supervise the removal of the vehicle and to assess the structural integrity.
