Vehicles Charred, 15 Displaced in Escondido Fire

Escondido, CA — A fire that burned three vehicles and displaced 15 people from their apartments early Thursday in Escondido appeared to have spread from a nearby row of trees, a city fire official said.

Crews with the Escondido Fire Department were dispatched just before 2 a.m. to a possible structure fire in the area of South Hale Avenue near West Ninth Avenue.

The first arriving engine crew reported heavy smoke from a distance and dispatched a second alarm, requesting the assistance of additional crews, according to Escondido fire Battalion Chief Art Holcomb.

"Upon arrival, it was reported that a row of about 20 Italian Cypress trees were involved in fire," Holcomb said. "The ember cast in combination with light east wind blew the fire into three two-story apartment complexes."

Firefighters made a quick attack on the cypress trees and knocked the bulk of the fire down on the outside of the structures, the battalion chief said, noting that it took crews about 45 minute to knock down all the fire.

Three apartments were damaged in the blaze, displacing a total of 15 residents, Holcomb said.

The exterior of one of the apartments was moderately damaged, while the fire caused significant damage on the inside of the other two units.

The fire also destroyed three vehicles that were parked outside the affected apartments.

Additionally, city building inspectors were called to the location because the stairs to one of the apartments were damaged by fire.

No firefighters were injured in the intense blaze, Holcomb said.

A resident was evaluated for possible injuries but was released at the scene.

The California Fire Foundation issued a gift card to one of the displaced residents to help with their immediate needs.

"The Escondido Fire Department strongly recommends having working alarms and fire extinguishers available in every residence," Holcomb said.

(Photos courtesy of Escondido Fire Department)