A two-alarm fire at an Escondido apartment complex Wednesday morning sent five people to the hospital for smoke inhalation and injuries and displaced 30 residents, a fire official said.
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The fire was reported shortly before 10:15 a.m. on the second floor of an apartment building on East Grand Avenue, just east of North Ash Street and state Route 78. Arriving firefighters were told victims were trapped by the flames, said acting Fire Chief Tyler Batson.
A second alarm was called, which summoned additional resources. Batson said fire crews were able to keep the fire contained to the apartment of origin and got the residents to safety. The fire was under control within about 15 minutes, he said.
In addition to the five victims who were injured, there were a dozen pets rescued from the building with the assistance of Humane Society officers. Batson said one of the residents suffered injuries that were considered serious.
Two San Diego Humane Society veterinarians evaluated approximately 25 animals for possible smoke inhalation and other medical concerns after they were evacuated from the apartments. None required critical care, a society spokesperson said. Twelve dogs found at the complex, 11 in one apartment where no one was home and one that was running in the area, were taken to the Humane Society’s Escondido campus for emergency boarding.
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San Diego Gas & Electric Co. shut off power to the building, causing the displacement of 30 residents. Red Cross workers responded and assisted those who were unable to stay in their apartments, Batson said.
Because of the extreme heat, firefighters had to take frequent breaks to stay hydrated and had their vital signs checked to ensure they were safe to go back and work, he said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. A damage estimate wasn’t immediately available.
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