News Flash

The Escondido Fire Safe Council (FSC), in partnership with the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, has launched a new rebate program to help Escondido property owners make home-hardening improvements that enhance the resilience of their properties against natural disasters, specifically wildfires.

The program offers eligible property owners a rebate covering 50% of approved home‑hardening expenses, up to $425 per household, to install ember‑resistant vents, an essential home‑hardening upgrade proven to reduce structure loss during wildfires.  

The rebate is available exclusively to property owners living within the city limits of Escondido. Homeowners are required to submit a paid invoice for the completed work, and before-and-after pictures are encouraged.

Rebate Process:

• Wildfire Risk Mitigation Agreement: Homeowners must sign a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Agreement, which is available from any Escondido Fire Safe Council committee board member.
• Invoice Submission: Submit your paid invoice and description of the work to the Escondido Fire Safe Council at: info@escondidofsc.com
• Review Process: The FSC will review the invoice and work description to ensure they meet the Wildfire Prevention program requirements.
• Reimbursement: Upon verification, the program will reimburse the homeowner up to 50% of the total cost of eligible improvements (a maximum of $425 per house), subject to available funds.

Rebates will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis until funds are exhausted or until the program’s closing date, which has been extended through April 1, 2026. If you believe you’re eligible or are interested in the program, please fill out the rebate interest form, and someone from the Escondido Fire Safe Council will be in touch.

 For questions about the program and eligibility, please contact Denise Rolen by phone at 858-945-6199, or by email at: denise@escondidofsc.com

The Escondido Fire Department is proud to announce that Insurance Services Office (ISO)-the organization responsible for evaluating fire protection capabilities nationwide-has officially confirmed the department has achieved a Class 1/1X Public Protection Classification (PPC), the highest rating possible for fire protection services in the United States.

This elite designation reflects the department’s excellence in emergency response capabilities, training, fire prevention, water supply, communications, and community risk reduction. Fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide earn a Class 1 rating, placing Escondido among the top-performing fire agencies in the country.

ISO’s Class 1 Review Team has formally approved and locked in the rating following their comprehensive evaluation. The survey now proceeds to final processing, and ISO will issue the formal letters and detailed report within two to three months. These documents will be shared with the Fire Chief, city leadership, and posted to ISO’s Mitigate platform upon completion.

“This achievement represents years of dedication from every division within the Escondido Fire Department,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tyler Batson. “It showcases our commitment to serve the public and to safeguard the community from the impact of fire, medical, and environmental emergencies through education, emergency services, and enforcement.”

The Class 1/1X rating may offer potential insurance benefits for residents and businesses, depending on insurer guidelines. Community members are encouraged to contact their insurance providers for details.

The department’s next PPC review is scheduled for 2031, with ISO to coordinate outreach in advance of the process.

For more information contact Interim Fire Chief Tyler Batson at tyler.batson@escondido.gov.   

Escondido elementary students are putting fire safety into practice this month through a poster contest focused on creating Home Fire Escape Plans. The contest, sponsored by the Escondido Fire Department in partnership with the Firefighters Association Local 3842 and Tony Pepperoni, invited 3rd graders from four local schools to illustrate the importance of knowing two ways out of every room, having working smoke alarms, and setting a safe family meeting place.

First- and second-place winners from each school will be honored at the Escondido City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m., during the City’s Fire Prevention Week Proclamation.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights how to use and recycle rechargeable batteries found in everyday devices safely.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and just about everywhere,” said Escondido Deputy Fire Chief Tyler Batson. “By following simple steps, Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely, families can reduce fire risks in their homes.”

Top Battery Safety Tips:

• Buy safely: Choose products with a recognized testing lab mark.
• Charge smart: Use the original cord, charge on hard surfaces, and unplug when full.
• Recycle right: Never throw batteries in the trash; take them to a proper recycling location (visit call2recycle.org).

The Escondido Fire Department reminds residents that while safe battery use helps prevent many fires, having a Home Fire Escape Plan is still essential for every household.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For kid-friendly resources, visit www.sparky.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Danny Revere (760) 573-9204

On September 27, 2025, at approximately 3:56 p.m., North Comm Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in a home in the 600 block of S. Upas St. The first arriving engine Captain reported a single-story, single-family residence with smoke coming from the front of the home. 

Immediately after arrival, the first arriving engine Captain was told there was a victim in the residence.  Firefighters performed an aggressive interior fire attack and search.  Unfortunately, the victim was found deceased. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in approximately 15 minutes.  Crews were on scene for one hour performing salvage, overall, and ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished.

In all, four fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue ambulance, and two Chief Officers responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters.

Fire Safety Message: All homes should have working smoke alarms. They are inexpensive, reliable, and proven to save lives! 

Escondido Fire Department Launches New Community Risk Reduction Division

Escondido, CA — The Escondido Fire Department is proud to announce the creation of a new Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division, a forward-looking effort to reduce emergencies before they happen and strengthen community resilience.

The CRR Division will oversee both the Fire Prevention and Emergency Management programs, bringing them together under one umbrella to better serve the City of Escondido. The initiative reflects a growing need to address a broad range of risks beyond traditional fire prevention.

“Today’s public safety challenges are more complex than ever,” said Fire Chief John Tenger “Our community faces risks from structure fires, wildfires, hazardous materials, battery-related fires, and natural disasters. The CRR Division allows us to take a proactive, coordinated approach to prevention, education, and preparedness.”

The new division will focus on:

• Expanding fire and hazard prevention through inspections, safety programs, and code compliance.
• Community education and readiness efforts, including wildfire safety, home fire prevention, and disaster preparedness events and meetings.
• Building stronger partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to reduce risks citywide.
• Enhancing emergency preparedness for natural disasters and emerging hazards.

By combining prevention, public education, and emergency management, the CRR Division represents a major step toward making Escondido safer for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

For more information about the Community Risk Reduction Division and its upcoming programs check out our website.

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The City of Escondido is currently working in collaboration with local communities, fire protection districts, and City staff to develop the 2025 City of Escondido Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update (CWPP). A CWPP is designed to assist the City and property owners in mitigating wildfire risk by assessing areas at risk and recommending measures to decrease those risks. You (the public) can play a part in crafting fire mitigation recommendations to reduce risk in your community. Read below to find out more about the collaborative Community Wildfire Protection Plan process and public involvement. 

What Does a Community Wildfire Protection Plan Do? 

• Identify areas at risk for wildland fire 
• Make recommendations for hazardous fuels treatments (vegetation thinning) 
• Prioritize areas for wildfire mitigation funding 
• Make recommendations for homeowners to reduce fire risk 
• Ask the public to share ideas about wildfire prevention and identify community values at risk 

The CWPP will guide future wildfire preparedness and risk reduction efforts, helping the City and property owners make informed decisions. 

The Goals and Objectives of the City of Escondido CWPP Are: 

1. Wildfire risk: Use a scientific analysis of the fire behavior potential of the study area (in addition to other attributes) to establish wildfire risk across the planning area from low to extreme. 
2. Identify values at risk: Use wildfire risk modeling to create recommendations which aim to mitigate undesirable fire effects to identified values at risk.   
3. Community risk assessment: Use community data, wildfire risk modeling, and Core Team expertise to rate the community’s risk and create recommendations. 
4. Develop recommendations: Provide the City of Escondido with a priority list of recommendations that covers relevant wildfire risk reduction strategies. 
5. Alignment with future/existing planning: Ensure proposed strategies align with existing city-wide management plans and resource management objectives. 
6. Community awareness: Promote community awareness, action, and resilience to enhance the self-efficacy of the community when it comes to wildfire risk.   
7. Strategic risk management: Provide strategic wildfire risk reduction suggestions that will, if implemented by the city and the Core Team, enhance life safety for all members of the community as well as first responders.   

Why You Should Be Involved 

A CWPP is designed to assist the City and landowners in mitigating wildfire risk. It is important that this process is collaborative. Public Input is Encouraged! 

How to Participate 

8. Review and Comment on the Draft Plan (PDF)

Submit Your Feedback – Use the online comment form by August 29, 2025 

• English:  https://forms.office.com/r/eaLz7kraJa
• Spanish: https://forms.office.com/r/wgbLPgZs5Q

Questions? Attend our Virtual Public Outreach Meeting!  

Virtual Public Outreach Meeting 

📅 Tuesday, September 9, 2025 🕕 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 📍 https://swca.zoom.us/j/93728499664?from=addon Meeting ID: 937 2849 9664 

At approximately 4:30 a.m. on August 6, 2025, the North Comm Fire Communication Center received an automatic fire alarm notification from an apartment located at 511 E. Grand Avenue, Unit #312 Escondido, CA 92025. This incident was quickly upgraded, and a first alarm structure response was dispatched.

Upon arrival, the first-in Captain reported visible smoke on the third floor of the building. Fire personnel located a fire that had occurred in Unit #312 and was successfully extinguished by the apartment’s automatic fire sprinkler system.

Firefighters quickly secured the sprinkler system, performed overhaul operations, and confirmed that the fire had not extended into the walls or adjacent areas. While the unit sustained minor smoke and fire damage, the building experienced significant water damage as a result of the sprinkler activation.

There were no injuries to civilians or fire personnel. Three residents were displaced due to the incident and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The Escondido Police Department assisted with traffic control in the area, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Safety Reminder:The Escondido Fire Department reminds the community to regularly check and maintain smoke alarms in all living spaces. Working smoke alarms provide early warning and can save lives in the event of a fire.

We Need Your Input for Escondido’s Community Wildland Preparedness Plan (CWPP)!

What is a CWPP? (PDF)

The CWPP provides a comprehensive scientifically-based analysis of wildfire related hazards and risks in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas of our community.

What does the CWPP provide?

This CWPP will assess all aspects of the wildfire threats and factors to Escondido including updated and enhanced data for vegetation management, new building development planning, emergency response strategy and tactical decision making, ongoing community education, and property owner information and empowerment. The comprehensive plan will also highlight existing areas with fire resistant landscapes, fire adaptive communities, and will assess the Escondido Fire Department’s, along with our regional partner’s, wildfire response to ensure safety and efficiency for our residents and business owners.

We need your input. Complete the Surveys!

• English Survey
• Spanish Survey

Community input is an essential element for developing an effective CWPP. We want to hear from our citizens about all aspects of wildfire concerns in our community. Please complete the survey and comment page which is accessed through the following QR Codes. Additionally, please read more about what a CWPP addresses and provides for our community in the informative flyer.

Thank you for your participation!

On August 4, 2025, at approximately 4:35 a.m., the North County Dispatch Communication Center received a report of a possible fire at 2119 Teal Glen Escondido, CA 92026 and dispatched a structure fire response. The first arriving officer reported a single-story, single-family residence with smoke and fire showing from the front of the home. 

Aggressive action by the firefighters contained and controlled the fire in approximately 30 minutes. The home sustained extensive fire damage throughout the dwelling. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. In all 4 fire engines, 1 truck company, 1 rescue ambulance and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A gift card was from the California Fire Foundation was provided for immediate emergency aid to the residents.

Fire Safety Message: All homes should have working smoke alarms. They are inexpensive, reliable and proven to save lives! 

Escondido Invites Community to National Night Out – August 5 at Grape Day Park

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Police Department, in collaboration with the City of Escondido and community partners, invites residents to the annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Grape Day Park, located at 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025.

National Night Out is a nationwide initiative designed to foster community partnerships and strengthen the relationship between public safety departments and the communities they serve. This free, family-friendly event offers a fun and interactive evening for people of all ages.

Attendees can look forward to:

• A Bike Rodeo (please bring your bike/scooter and helmet)

• Safety Demonstrations

• Community Resources and Exhibits

• Contests and Entertainment

• Delicious Food

• Opportunity Drawings

In addition to the Escondido Police Department, the Escondido Fire Department, Code Compliance Department and Environmental Programs will also be present to engage with residents and share valuable safety information and resources.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to connect with our local public safety teams and enjoy a night of unity and fun,” said Deborah Borders, Community Services Manager for the City of Escondido. “Events like these help build trust and lasting relationships.”

For more information, contact:Jacqueline Bahena – COMPACT(760) 839-4515 | jbahena@educationcompact.org

Deborah Borders – City of Escondido(760) 839-4707 | deborah.borders@escondido.gov

On July 11, 2025, at 9:13 pm, North Comm Communication Center received a report of a possible vegetation fire in the area of Del Lago Blvd. near the rear of the mall.  A vegetation response was dispatched.  The first arriving Officer reported an active fire in approximately 1/4 acre of heavy brush burning at a slow rate of spread, and no structures were threatened.   

The firefighters accessed the scene and quickly extinguished the fire.  Crews remained on scene for 1 hour mopping up hot spots.  The final size of the fire was 1/4 acre, 5 engines,1 Water Tender, and 1 Chief Officer assisted with the fire.  Units from Escondido Fire, Cal Fire, and Rancho Santa Fe were utilized, as well as Escondido Police, who assisted with traffic control.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, residents and visitors are reminded that all fireworks are illegal to purchase, possess or use in Escondido and throughout San Diego County. That includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and even sparklers.

“Fireworks are extremely dangerous and their use can easily cause serious injuries and start fires” said Escondido Fire Chief, John Tenger. “Everyone needs to remember that ALL fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, and for good reason. Considering the dry grass and brush in and around Escondido, anyone thinking about buying and using illegal fireworks needs to understand that negligently causing a fire can result in criminal and financial consequences.”

In addition to property damage, fireworks can also cause serious injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, including children and teens, are injured every year while using consumer fireworks. Even something as “harmless” as a sparkler, which burns at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause critical injuries and pose a serious fire hazard. Additionally, the NFPA states that nationally two out of five fires reported on Independence Day are started by fireworks.

The Escondido Fire Department is kicking off its annual Fireworks Collection Campaign this week. Escondido residents can turn in fireworks, no questions asked, from Saturday, June 21 until Saturday, July 5 at any Escondido Fire Station. The purpose of the Fireworks Collection Campaign is to reduce the number of fires and injuries caused by illegal fireworks. For more information, Escondido residents are encouraged to call the Escondido Fire Department at 760-839-5400. Residents of other cities are encouraged to contact their own local Fire Departments for more information about fireworks in their jurisdictions.

The City of Escondido is excited to be hosting a free, professional fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. The California Center for the Arts, is also hosting free activities in Grape Day Park leading up to the fireworks. The community is welcome to enjoy the fireworks show from anywhere in central Escondido including Grape Day Park. The fireworks will be launched from their typical location in the Woodward Avenue parking lot at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Grape Day Park will be open past dusk with traditional regulations in place – no dogs, BBQs, or alcohol. Learn more about the Independence Day celebration at 60th Annual Independence Day Festival - California Center for the Arts, Escondido

On June 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM, North Comm Communication Center received a report of a possible vegetation fire in the area of 1616 Madrone Glen.  A vegetation response was dispatched.  The first arriving Company Officer reported an active fire, approximately one-half acre of light fuels burning at a rapid rate of spread, with an immediate threat to structures. 

The fire was contained in 2 hours.  The firefighters’ decisive actions prevented damage to any structures.  The final size of the fire was 1.5 acres.  15 engines, 4 Chief Officers, and air assets from Cal Fire assisted with the fire.  Units from Escondido, San Marcos, Cal Fire, Oceanside, and Rancho Santa Fe were utilized.  Escondido Police assisted with traffic control.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Escondido Fire Department Receives $19,000 Grant from San Diego Regional Fire Foundation for Life-Saving Technical Rope Rescue Equipment

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Fire Department recently received a generous $19,000 grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation. The funding was used to purchase advanced rope rescue equipment, including specialized descent and belay devices, along with 5,000 feet of 11mm life-safety rope. These tools will enhance the department’s ability to perform complex rescues in challenging environments such as cliffs, buildings, and confined spaces while offering improved safety and efficiency for both rescuers and those being rescued.

The mission of the Escondido Fire Department is to save lives and protect property through prevention, preparedness, education, and response. The addition of this advanced rope rescue equipment will allow our personnel to meet our mission statement more safely and effectively, and is deeply grateful to the San Diego Fire Regional Foundation for their continued support of firefighter safety and public service.

“This grant allows us to equip our firefighters with the tools they need to perform the most technical rescues with greater safety and confidence,” said Fire Chief John Tenger. “We are incredibly thankful for the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation’s support. Their continued investment in firefighter safety directly benefits our community and helps us save lives more effectively.”

This is not the first time the Escondido Fire Department has benefited from the Foundation’s generosity. In 2022, the department received a grant of nearly $35,000 to purchase battery-powered extrication tools, which significantly enhanced vehicle rescue capabilities and responder efficiency.

The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation has been a long-time partner and advocate for fire departments throughout the region, helping agencies like the Escondido Fire Department secure the resources they need to keep pace with evolving challenges and maintain high standards of emergency response.

About the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation

The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, which supports the entire County, has worked diligently since 1989 to make San Diego the safest county in the nation. This is accomplished by improving the system of fire and emergency services, making sure every resident, no matter where they live, has the same of quality service from our first responders.

“We could not have provided $7 million of fire, medical, rescue, and communications equipment and training, or funded over 40 fire safe councils’ efforts to prevent fires, without the generous support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations. I am proud that all we have accomplished is as a result of a tremendous community team effort.” Frank Ault, San Diego Regional Fire Foundation Board Chairman.

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On May 23, 2025 at approximately 07:16 p.m., Escondido Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire at 843 S Escondido Blvd.  Initial reports from North Comm Dispatch indicated that multiple explosions had occurred and that the entire building was burning.  The first arriving unit found a commercial strip mall with 1 unit fully involved.  Due to the potential for the fire to spread and the size of the building, a second alarm was also requested.

Aggressive action by firefighters located, contained and controlled the fire and kept it from spreading to the entire building.  The main fire unit was destroyed and the adjoining unit suffered structural damage.    In all 9 Fire Engines, 2 Truck Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulances and 3 Battalion Chiefs responded to the fire.  No injuries were reported.

Escondido Police units provided road closures and assistance was provided by San Marcos Fire Department, Rancho Sante Fe Fire Department, and San Diego City Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On May 10, 2025 at approximately 07:14 p.m., North Comm Dispatch received a report of a fire at 1342 N Escondido Blvd.  A structure fire response was dispatched to the location. The first arriving Captain found a small fire in a second-floor apartment and several rooms and hallways filled with smoke. One sprinkler head was fused during the fire and was effective in keeping the fire from spreading.  

Aggressive action by the firefighters contained and controlled the fire in approximately 1 hour. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Multiple residents of the facility where temporarily evacuated and relocated to uninvolved areas of the facility.  7 units were damaged by water and the residents were relocated to vacant units within the facility.

4 engines, 2 trucks, 1 ambulance and 1 Battalion Chief responded to the incident.

Escondido Police units provided road closures.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On April 14, 2025 at approximately 02:00 p.m., North Comm Fire Communication Center received a report of a fire in a home in the area of the 400 block of W 8^th Ave. The first arriving engine Captain reported a single story, single-family residence with smoke coming from the rear of the home. 

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the laundry room in approximately 20 minutes. Crews were on scene for one hour performing salvage, overall, and ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished.

All occupants were able to exit the structure without injury.  In all, 3 fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue ambulance, and one Chief Officer responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Three adults and two children were displaced because of the fire and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.  The immediate needs of the family were assisted with donated funds from the California Fire Foundation.

Fire Safety Message: All homes should have working smoke alarms. They are inexpensive, reliable and proven to save lives

On April 13, 2025 at approximately 3:30 AM, a structure fire was reported at 1193 15^th Avenue in the City of Escondido. A full structure fire response from the Escondido Fire Department along with units from Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos Fire Departments. The first Engine Company to arrive reported a working fire in a two-story single-family house.

Firefighters made entry into the structure and encountered intense fire conditions with extension into the attic causing structural instability. Firefighters were forced to exit the structure and assume a defensive strategy. It took 20 Firefighters nearly an hour to contain the blaze. Salvage and overhaul operations continued for another 4 hours.

Fortunately, the homeowners were able to safely escape the burning house with their dog prior to arrival of the Fire Department. No civilians or Firefighters were injured during the incident.

Additional assistance was provided by the Escondido Police Department and SDG&E. Two adults and a dog were displaced as a result of the fire. Assistance with their immediate needs was provided by the American Red Cross.

On April 6, 2025 at approximately 01:30 am, units from the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 900 block of Park Villa Pl.  The first responding Engine Company reported smoke in the area, upgraded the alarm to a working structure fire and confirmed a fire in a detached garage once they arrived at scene.

Firefighters made access to the garage from a side door and were able to quickly control and extinguish the fire within a few minutes.  Although some contents in the garage suffered heat, smoke and water damage the structure itself remained intact with little to no damage.  Firefighters remained on scene for an hour assisting the residents and conducting salvage and overhaul operations. A fire investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause.  

Residents were home at the time of the incident and were alerted to the fire by their barking dog. Fortunately, no civilians or firefighters were injured during the event. In total, 4 engines, 1 truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs were assigned.  Additional assistance was provided by the Escondido Police Department, San Marcos Fire Department and SDG&E.

Contact Battalion Chief Britt Matthews (760) 560-7432

On March 27, 2025 at approximately 5:26 AM, units of the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 1100 block of Suburban Hills Drive in the unincorporated county area of Escondido. The first arriving Officer reported a working fire in the garage of a single-story house.

Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from the exterior of the home containing the fire to the garage. The main living area of the house had minor smoke damage, but the fire did not extend into the structure. Full containment of the fire was achieved in approximately 20 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately an hour performing salvage and overhaul operations.

The home was occupied by a family of 6 who were all able to safely exit the structure with their pets prior to the Fire Departments arrival. No civilians or Firefighters were injured during the incident. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family with temporary lodging and a California Fire Foundation $250 dollar SAVE card was issued to assist with the family’s basic needs.   

Additional assistance was provided by Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. SDG&E personnel responded to secure both electric and natural gas service to the structure.

Fire Investigators from the Escondido Fire Department are attempting to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

Safety message: Residential smoke alarms provide early detection as well as notification to occupants allowing for early evacuation.

On March 13, 2025 at approximately 8:10 PM, units from the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched to a reported house on fire in the area of Sheridan Av and Rimrock CT in the City of Escondido. The first arriving Engine Company reported a well involved attic fire.

Firefighters made an aggressive fire attack and conducted a search to ensure the residents were not inside the house. However, the fire grew rapidly compromising the integrity of the roof forcing Firefighters to exit the structure and assume a defensive posture. The main fire was knocked down in the first hour after arrival. Crews remained on scene throughout the night searching for any hidden fire.

The home was vacant due to construction. No civilians or Firefighters were injured during the incident. Assistance was provided by the San Marcos Fire Department and CalFire. SDG&E responded to secure both the gas and electric service to the house. Escondido Police Department Officers and Escondido Public Works Department provided traffic control and road closures.

The cause and origin of the fire is being investigated Escondido Fire Department Investigators.

Contact Battalion Chief Britt Matthews (760) 560-7432

Be prepared! High winds and low humidity are expected to continue into early next week. Please be sure that you and your family are prepared.

• Opt-in for alerts from Alert San Diego
• Our new regional app – Genasys Protect, adds an additional layer of safety with real-time updates. 
  • I recommend downloading and sharing it with your family and friends.
• Review your emergency plan – don’t have a plan? Download one here.
• Review your evacuation (emergency exit) routes both in the office and at home
• Forecasted weather conditions could affect the power line.
  • Find more information on the Public Safety Power Shutoff page.

On December 26, 2024 at 02:23, units from the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at a single-family residence located on Palma Vista Ct. The first Engine Company to arrive found a significant amount of smoke coming from the chimney area.  Upon further investigation, it was determined that the cause was from a fire located in the void space around the fireplace insert.  An upgraded alarm was requested with additional units assisting from the City of San Marcos.

Firefighters worked to gain access to the rear of the fireplace insert and cut through the chimney box to limit any vertical fire spread.  An additional engine was utilized to remove furniture and salvage property from the room containing the fire place.  Due to the challenges that chimney fires present, fire crews stayed onsite for approximately 2.5 hours to ensure extinguishment and overhaul of the area.

No civilians or Firefighters were injured during the incident. Additional assistance was provided by San Diego County Sheriff’s and SDG&E.

On December 21, 2024 at approximately 4:20PM, units from the Escondido and San Marcos Fire Departments were dispatched to 1620 Desert Glen in the City of Escondido for a reported structure fire. The first arriving Engine Company found a double wide mobile home with fire in the main coach and a detached garage.

Firefighters quickly deployed multiple hose lines to prevent spread to adjacent homes and vehicles. Aggressive firefighting extinguished the flames in approximately 15 minutes and limited the fire to the building of origin.  

Two civilians required medical evaluation due to smoke inhalation. Both were transported to area hospitals in stable condition. No Firefighters were injured during the incident.

Significant damage to both the residence and garage caused one occupant to be displaced.

The Escondido Police Department responded to assist with temporary evacuations and traffic control. SDG&E assisted in securing natural gas and electrical service to the structure.

The cause and origin of the fire is currently being determined by Escondido Fire Department Investigators.