By Gina Yarbrough
Escondido, CA–Seven people were displaced after a structure fire severely damaged their home in Escondido early Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The North Com Dispatch Center received a report around 3:23 a.m. of a possible structure fire in the 1500 block of East Washington Avenue.
Upon arrival, the first engine crew discovered a single-story, single-family home engulfed in heavy smoke and flames, visible through the front windows. Given the potential for the fire to spread and the risk to life and property, the incident commander upgraded the response to a working fire.
Firefighters entered the home, conducting a thorough search for potential victims while working to extinguish the blaze. During the operation, several large oxygen tanks were discovered venting inside the structure. Firefighters removed the tanks to prevent a possible explosion.
The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. While the home sustained significant damage, no injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
The incident displaced four adults and three children, who received assistance from the Red Cross. Additionally, the California Fire Foundation provided a gift card to the affected family for immediate emergency aid.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
