By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–Firefighters in Oceanside responded to a residential fire Saturday night that displaced a family but caused no injuries, thanks in part to the quick actions of an off-duty firefighter.
Oceanside Fire Department personnel were dispatched shortly after 9 p.m. to a residential fire in the 3900 block of Genine Drive. Before crews arrived, an off-duty North County Fire Protection District captain spotted smoke and flames coming from the home while driving nearby.
The captain alerted the residents and assisted them in evacuating safely. Before leaving the house, he closed interior doors to slow the fire’s spread, a move that helped limit damage and improved conditions until firefighters arrived.
When fire crews arrived on scene, they found the fire that started in an exterior shed and had extended into the home. Crews were able to quickly contain the flames, preventing further spread into the living areas and attic.
Five adults and two pets escaped unharmed. Crews conducted thorough searches to ensure no one remained inside.
The fire was brought under control within about 20 minutes. Multiple Oceanside units responded, along with assistance from Vista Fire personnel. The Red Cross was called to aid the displaced residents after the home was deemed uninhabitable.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire officials credited the off-duty captain’s swift response with helping protect lives before crews arrived.
