Heartland Fire & Rescue crews battle a blaze at a residential detached garage in El Cajon. Photo: Heartland Fire & Rescue

EL CAJON–A residential fire early Tuesday morning destroyed a detached garage in El Cajon, Heartland Fire and Rescue reports.

At approximately 3 a.m., Heartland Fire and Rescue crews from El Cajon and La Mesa, assisted by crews from San Miguel Fire and Santee Fire, were dispatched to reports of a garage on fire in the 1300 block of Helix View Dr in El Cajon. Fire crews arrived within 8 minutes to discover a detached garage well involved with fire. Due to the heavy fire present, a second alarm was called for, bringing an additional four engines and a ladder truck.

The fire did extend into the main body of the house, traveling from the garage into the attic space. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries due to a partial building collapse of the garage. They were transported to UCSD Hospital and have since been treated and released. Fire crews were able to control the fire within an hour.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Sheriff Bomb and Arson and El Cajon Police Dept. Estimated damage for the structure and contents is estimated at $400,000.