FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Battalion Chief Britt Matthews (760) 760-7432

At approximately 4:36 PM, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of smoke in the garage of a residence in the area of Vermont Avenue and Olivia Court. A full Fire Department structure fire response was dispatched. While on route, units reported smoke showing and requested a reinforced response.

The first arriving Engine Company reported a two-story house with heavy fire in the garage. A second alarm was immediately requested as the neighboring home was being impinged by flames and also appeared to have fire developing in the garage. Firefighters aggressively attacked the primary fire while protecting the adjacent structures.

The original fire heavily damaged the garage and its contents. The interior of the house sustained minimal fire damage, but was consumed with smoke. The second home sustained fire damage to the garage. Smoke damage also occurred to the living space, however, Firefighters were able to minimize smoke damage to that home.

Two adults were displaced from the original fire building. The residents of the neighboring house were able to remain in their home. No Firefighters or civilians were injured as a result of the fire.

Six Engine Companies, a Truck Company, a Rescue Ambulance, and a Battalion Chief responded to the incident. Escondido Police Officers assisted with road closures and evacuations. SDG&E assisted in securing gas and electrical service to the primary structure and was able to restore electrical service to the neighboring home.

Cause and origin or the fire is being investigated by Escondido Fire Department Investigators.