By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–Firefighters from Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos responded to a hazardous commercial fire that broke out in a metal plating facility in Oceanside Wednesday night, fire officials said.
The fire, reported at approximately 9:43 p.m., involved a large commercial building housing multiple businesses on Jason Court, near Oceanside Boulevard and Temple Heights Drive. All employees evacuated safely before crews arrived.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they encountered smoke and flames coming from the roof and observed hazardous materials placards posted on the structure. Employees confirmed the presence of significant quantities of hazardous substances inside the facility.
Out of caution, fire officials restricted entry to limit potential exposure. Fire crews mounted an exterior attack on the blaze while ladder trucks ventilated the roof. Additional teams conducted searches to check for occupants and ensure the fire had not spread to other areas.
The fire was successfully contained to the central unit of the building. Due to contamination from smoke, runoff water, and chemicals, several firefighters underwent on-scene decontamination. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s hazardous materials unit and San Diego County Environmental Health were called in to assess the release of hazardous materials and provide advice on proper decontamination procedures.
Two firefighters and one employee were treated and released for minor chemical exposure. The Oceanside Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.
Fire officials remind the public that hazardous materials incidents can present serious health risks. Residents are urged to avoid affected areas, follow emergency instructions, and be aware that some chemicals may be odorless. If caught outdoors during a hazmat event, move away from the source, staying upstream, uphill, and upwind, and seek shelter in a permanent building when possible.
