July 12, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Battalion Chief Tyler Batson (760) 522-0516
On July 12, 2022, at approximately 00:31 a.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire located inside the building at 2004 E Valley Parkway. The building is the out of service gas station on the northeast corner of Valley Parkway and N Midway Drive. First arriving EPD Units located one occupant in the abandoned structure and extricated them. When the first fire engine arrived, smoke and flames were found just inside an entry door on the east side of the structure, with smoke extension into rest of the building that could be described as an old convenience store.
Aggressive action by the firefighters contained the fire in approximately 13 minutes, preventing significant intrusion into the remaining structure. However, overhaul work was required to confirm the fire did not extend into the attic.
There were no injuries to firefighters. The intoxicated occupant extricated by EPD was transported to PMC ED with what seemed to be minor injuries. In all, twenty-six firefighters, two EMTs, and two fire prevention specialists responded to the fire. EPD provided scene safety and road closures. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Safety Message: Abandoned structures often become fire hazards. The City of Escondido’s, “Report It! App,” is the quickest way to report safety and property concerns throughout the City of Escondido.
https://www.escondido.org/report-it
07/12/22