FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Battalion Chief Britt Matthews 760 560-7432

At 11:24 am, the Escondido Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center received reports of a structure fire at the Bekins Pack and Crate on N. Quince Street. At the same time, citizens alerted Firefighters at Fire Station 1 of the fire. The Bekins facility is located is located next door to Fire Station 1. The first due units arrived and reported a working fire in a metal storage shed located on the north side of the property.

The building contained large quantities of clothing and other household items. Many of these items were stored in plastic bags and in some areas of the building, piles of clothing were over 6 feet high. This created a large fuel load making extinguishment and overhaul difficult. The fire was contained in approximately 40 minutes. Firefighters remained on the scene performing overhaul operations for another hour. 6 Engine Companies, 2 Truck Companies, a Rescue Ambulance, and 2 Chief Officers, a total of 29 Firefighters were required to control the fire.

Escondido Police Department Officers assisted with traffic control and interviewing of witnesses. San Marcos Fire Department Battalion Chief and Truck Company also responded. SDG&E was requested to control utilities to the building. No civilians or Firefighter were injured during the incident.

Cause and origin of the fire is being investigated by Escondido Police Department Detectives and Investigators from the Escondido Fire Department Prevention Division.