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.