FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Jeff Sargis (760) 705-7122

On April 19, 2022 at approximately 10:53 p.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a Commercial Structure Fire near the 1600 block of East Valley Pkwy. in Escondido. A full commercial structure fire response was dispatched. The first arriving Fire Captain reported heavy smoke coming from the roof and rear of a large single-story strip-mall. Due to the potential for the fire to spread and the size of the building, a second alarm was also requested but soon cancelled as the incident stabilized.

Aggressive action by firefighters located, contained and controlled the fire in approximately 10 minutes minimizing structural damage and any spread to adjacent occupancies. In all 7 Fire Engines, 2 Truck Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulances and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to the fire.

Escondido Police units provided road closures and assistance was provided by San Marcos Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.