FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Tyler Batson, 760-522-0516

On July 6, 2021 at approximately 03:16 a.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received reports of a vegetation fire in the area of Lake Wohlford Road and Valley Center Road. The first arriving Engine Captain reported fire was approximately 1 acre in size in steep terrain on an east facing slope, north of Lake Wohlford Road and west of Valley Center Road, in light flashy grass and medium brush, moving uphill at a low rate of spread. Additionally, there were no occupied structures immediately threatened and evacuations were not necessary.

Firefighters climbed the steep terrain, constructed fire control lines with hose and hand tools, and stopped the forward progress of the fire. Crews worked for several hours mopping up hot spots. Valley Center Road was closed in both directions until approximately 6:30 a.m.

As the fire was within a pre-established “mutual threat zone”, both Escondido and CAL FIRE firefighters battled this fire under unified command with assistance from Valley Center Fire Protection District. Approximately 33 firefighters were assigned to this incident. Traffic control and scene safety was provided by EPD, SDSO, and CHP. There was no obvious damage to nearby structures and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Safety Message: Utilize the City of Escondido’s “Report It!” Application for smart phones. “Report It!” is a safe and efficient way for citizens to report hazardous brush and debris, graffiti, dangerous potholes, and other community problems. The information assists the City of Escondido in mitigating hazards before an incident occurs. https://www.escondido.org/report-it