By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–Firefighters rescued a family dog from a residential structure fire that broke out Monday afternoon at 3537 Sea Ridge Road, displacing four residents from their home.
The Oceanside Fire Department received reports shortly after dispatch that the homeowner’s dog was still inside the burning house. The first unit to arrive—an ambulance staffed by a single firefighter—reached the scene within four minutes and reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage. The firefighter quickly entered the home to search for the pet and any possible occupants.
Within minutes, five fire engines, a ladder truck, and two battalion chiefs joined the response. Crews launched an aggressive attack on the flames, deploying hose lines while conducting an interior search. A ladder truck crew also performed vertical ventilation, cutting a hole in the roof to release superheated gases and improve interior conditions.
No residents were found inside, but firefighters successfully rescued the family’s dog, which had suffered mild smoke inhalation. The animal is expected to make a full recovery.
The blaze displaced four people, who are now receiving emergency assistance from the Red Cross. Investigators determined the fire started in the garage.
The Oceanside Fire Department urged residents to prioritize safety in the event of a fire.
“If a fire breaks out in your home, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself,” officials said in a statement. “Fires spread rapidly, and your safety is our highest priority.”
