Fire Sparks At Vons In Coronado, Prompts Evacuations

CORONADO, CA – A fire sparked Wednesday morning at a Vons in Coronado, prompting shoppers to be evacuated from the grocery store.

The fire was associated with a refrigeration unit in the basement of the store on Orange Avenue, according to the city of Coronado. The flames caused heavy smoke to fill the store and activated the sprinklers.

Coronado and San Diego firefighters responded to an initial call at 8:19 a.m. of an explosion in an alley behind the store, most likely from a nearby transformer, according to the city. Crews extinguished the fire while evacuating the store and securing the perimeter. There were no injuries.

"Right now, we aren't sure if the transformer or the refrigeration unit caused the fire," said Fire Chief Jim Lydon. "SDG&E has secured the power to the building. There is standing water in the basement so that will be removed by Vons."

SDG&E crews turned the power off in the store. Vons remained closed due to heavy smoke, water damage and no power. Vons was sending crews to assess the damage and possible repairs to get the store reopened.

Lydon said county health officials are expected to arrive to assess the smoke and water damage.

The fire remains under investigation.

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