On September 26 at 02:55 North Comm Dispatch Center received several calls regarding a fire on the corner of West Mission Ave. and North Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. Fire crews arrived and found a medium sized commercial building with smoke coming from multiple areas of the building and also received reports of possible victims trapped inside.
Due to the extreme fire conditions a defensive fire strategy was put in place to prevent the spread of the fire to neighboring buildings. Ultimately, the fire went to a third alarm and units worked throughout the night preventing any additional spread of fire.
Although the fire was kept to the building of origin, the building sustained major damage. In all 14 Engines, 3 Trucks, 3 Ambulances, 1 USAR, 1 Light and Air Unit, and 4 Chief Officers responded.
Due to the buildings damage and fire conditions, it was initially unsafe for crews to enter and conduct a thorough search for possible victims. City of Escondido Public Works assisted the Fire Department with heavy equipment to remove debris and tear down walls in order to search the building. Escondido Police Department utilized their drones to fly into small void spaces in the attic to search as well.
No injuries were reported by either the public or firefighters.