FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Britt Matthews 760 560-7432

On February 27, 2024 at approximately 7:13 PM, The Escondido Police and Fire Communications Center received 911 calls reporting a residential structure fire at 949 Via Linda in the unincorporated County area of Escondido. A residential structure fire response was dispatched to the location. The first arriving Engine Company reported a working fire in a two-story home with exposures threatened. Due to the size of the home and fire conditions a Second Alarm was requested.

Aggressive actions by Firefighters confined the fire to the second floor of the structure in approximately 25 minutes. There was no damage to adjacent homes or outbuildings. No Firefighters or civilians were injured during he incident. Unfortunately, several family pets succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The American Red Cross responded to assist family members who were displaced by the fire. A California Fire Foundation SAVE card was issued to the residents to assist with immediate needs.

Additional assistance was provided by the San Marcos Fire Department and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department. San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Deputies assisted with traffic control and SDG&E personnel secured both gas and electrical service.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by members of the Escondido Fire Department Prevention Division.