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

Early morning on November 14, 2021, two related fire incidents occurred within a short period of time.

At approximately 02:41 a.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a commercial fire alarm at 1044 W. Washington Av., at the Escondido Disposal Center. The first arriving Engine Captain reported significant smoke lingering in the surrounding area. Upon further investigation, active fire was found in the refuse storage area of the main building. The incident was upgraded to a full commercial fire response.

Aggressive action by the firefighters and facility staff contained the fire in approximately 33 minutes, however the rubbish pile inside the facility required extensive overhaul to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Facility staff are trained and equipped to overhaul the trash piles after the incident is stabilized by fire personnel, as smoldering fires are an occasional occurrence at trash facilities.

There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. In all, 20 firefighters and one fire prevention specialist responded to the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The second incident occurred at approximately 03:02 a.m.at 2181 Citracado Py, at the Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute facility. Due to the previously mentioned commercial fire response, most of the responding units to this fire were from neighboring agency partners. The first arriving Engine Captain reported a light odor of smoke in the area and active evacuations being conducted by EPD, security, and facility staff. Due to the vulnerability of the occupants in the building, a second alarm was requested.

Upon thorough investigation of the entire facility, no active fire was located inside the building. The fire response was initiated when occupants encountered smoke and activated several manual pull stations. The most likely culprit of the smoke and odor was the significant smoke in the area generated from the Escondido Disposal Center fire. There was a similar odor of smoke in the building that was circulated by the facility HVAC system.

Diligent efforts by firefighters, EPD, facility staff, and security, resulted in all occupants being safely evacuated in approximately 21 minutes from first unit arrival. Many of the occupants were non-ambulatory and required carrying down stairwells. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians from the incident. In all, 48 firefighters responded to the fire. All occupants were safely returned to the facility in little more than 1 hour.

Safety message: Smoldering materials can remain at high temperatures for extended periods of time in trash piles, often causing a rekindled fire. Ensure all burning materials, such as charcoal, are fully extinguished with water and cold before disposing of them.