FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Tyler Batson (760) 522 - 0516

On November 26, 2022 at approximately 05:39 a.m., 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.

Safety Message: Poorly kept chimneys and fireplaces are a frequent cause of house fires in the winter months. Chimney sweeping, fireplace maintenance, and selecting the correct wood or artificial log product according to fireplace specifications, are important safety measures.