FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Jeff Sargis (760) 705-7122

On February 20, 2022, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a possible fire in the area of the 600 block of W. 8^th Ave. and dispatched a structure fire response. While responding several fire units reported a large column from a distance, due to the potential for the fire to spread and the threat to life and property a working fire upgrade and second alarm was requested. The first arriving officer reported a single story, single family residence with a large amount of smoke and fire throughout the entire structure.

Aggressive action by the firefighters contained and controlled the fire in approximately 40 minutes despite dangerous electrical powerlines that had burned through and were arching nearby. The home sustained extensive fire damage throughout the dwelling. There were no injuries to firefighters however, one civilian was emotionally upset and evaluated by Paramedics. In all 7 fire engines, 2 truck companies, 2 rescue ambulances and 3 Battalion Chiefs responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A gift card was from the California Fire Foundation was provided for immediate emergency aid to the residents as well as aid from the Red Cross.