A two-alarm fire at an Escondido apartment building Wednesday morning sent five people to the hospital, displaced about 30 residents and prompted emergency veterinary evaluations for dozens of animals, officials said.
Fire contained to single unit; quick response limited spread
The fire was reported shortly before 10:15 a.m. on the second floor of a multiunit building on East Grand Avenue, just east of North Ash Street and state Route 78, according to the Escondido Fire Department. Firefighters arriving on scene were told occupants were trapped by flames, prompting a rapid escalation to a second alarm to summon additional resources.
Acting Fire Chief Tyler Batson said crews were able to confine the blaze to the apartment of origin and evacuate residents. The department reported the fire was controlled within about 15 minutes.
"Arriving firefighters were told victims were trapped by the flames," said acting Fire Chief Tyler Batson.
Injuries, evacuations and aid
Five people were taken to hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation and other injuries. One resident’s injuries were described as serious, while the others were being treated for less severe conditions, Batson said. San Diego Gas & Electric shut off power to the building, which contributed to the displacement of roughly 30 residents.
The American Red Cross responded to assist residents who were unable to remain in their apartments, Batson said. Fire crews also took precautions because of extreme heat at the scene, rotating frequently to hydrate and having vital signs checked between work periods to ensure personnel safety.
Animals rescued, dozens evaluated
Humane Society officers and Escondido firefighters rescued a number of pets from the building. Two San Diego Humane Society veterinarians evaluated approximately 25 animals for possible smoke inhalation and other medical concerns; none required critical care, a society spokesperson said.
Twelve dogs were taken to the San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido campus for emergency boarding and care after the fire. Eleven of those dogs — three adult dogs and eight approximately 4-week-old puppies — were rescued from a single apartment and passed through a window to firefighters below. No owner was present at the time. An additional dog found running near the scene was also brought to the humane society and may have come from the complex.
- People injured: 5 (one serious)
- Residents displaced: ~30
- Animals evaluated: ~25
- Dogs boarded at humane society: 12
- Fire contained: within about 15 minutes
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| People transported to hospital | 5 |
| Residents displaced | 30 (approx.) |
| Animals evaluated | ~25 |
| Dogs in emergency boarding | 12 |
Investigation and next steps
Batson said the cause of the fire is under investigation and that a damage estimate was not immediately available. San Diego Gas & Electric’s power shutoff left multiple residents unable to return to their units while safety and utility checks are performed.
The combination of human injuries and dozens of animals affected has engaged multiple local agencies, including the Escondido Fire Department, San Diego Humane Society and the American Red Cross. Officials urged residents to follow updates from the fire department and local authorities about re-entry and assistance for displaced tenants.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation or with knowledge about pets still missing from the complex was encouraged to contact the Escondido Fire Department or the San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido campus.
