FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Jeff Sargis (760)705-7122

On March 12, 2022 at 2:52 PM, the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a possible vegetation fire in the area of Northbound I15 near the 9^th Ave. off ramp. A vegetation response was dispatched, the first arriving Officer reported an active fire on the right shoulder of the freeway involving both brush as well as spreading to several palm trees.

Due to the potential threat to life and property, a second alarm was requested.

The fire was contained within 45 minutes. In all, 7 Engines, 1 Patrol Unit, 2 Chief Officers and a Fire Investigator responded. The response included assistance from Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department, San Diego City Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and Escondido Police Department.

There were no injuries to civilians however, one firefighter suffered a minor burn to his neck from falling embers. Although the fire originated from a homeless encampment, the cause is under investigation.