By SDCN Editor
Escondido, CA–The Sheriff’s Department Bomb and Arson Unit is investigating a deadly fire that killed an elderly woman in her home early Thursday morning in the unincorporated area of Escondido.
The Sheriff’s Department received calls about a residential fire just before 2:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Alexander Drive. The fire was initially reported by a commuter driving on the freeway who spotted dark smoke coming from the house.
Deputies arrived to find an elderly man in his 80s outside of the home with burn injuries. Deputies made entry into the burning home and located a man in his 50s asleep who they escorted outside to safety uninjured. They attempted to search for an additional victim upstairs but were forced back by flames and smoke.
Firefighters arrived and located an elderly woman upstairs who they brought out of the house and transported to the hospital. She later died from her injuries. One male victim in his 80s suffered smoke inhalation and burns and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the victim, as well as determine the cause and manner of death, once her family has been notified.
The investigation is ongoing.