FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Battalion Chief Tyler Batson (760)522-0516

On December 7, 2022 at approximately 8:26 a.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a residential structure fire located at 474 El Dorado Drive. Units responding noticed smoke showing in the distance and requested a working fire upgrade for additional resources. The first arriving engine reported a working structure fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from a large, detached garage, located to the rear of the property.

Aggressive action by the firefighters contained the fire to the garage in approximately fifteen minutes, preventing additional fire spread to the surrounding exposed houses. Due to the garage being full of equipment and storage items, there was significant fuel load resulting in heavy fire activity. Crews spent several hours overhauling the area with multiple hose lines to ensure full extinguishment.

In all, nineteen firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. EPD, SDSO, and CHP conducted traffic control, and SDGE was dispatched to address utilities. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Safety Message: Most household garages contain potential hazards such as fuels, solvents, oils, and dense storage, to name a few. It is important to have working smoke and CO detectors in the garage, as well as the home, to provide safe and early warning to residents.