Escondido Senior Apartment Fire Hospitalizes 5; Dogs Rescued

Five people were taken to hospitals and about a dozen dogs were rescued after fire tore through two apartments at a senior living community in Escondido, California, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, city officials said.

What happened

The fire was reported at about 10:12 a.m. at a three-story apartment complex at 1225 E. Grand Ave., according to a City of Escondido news release. Fire officials requested a second alarm because of reports of trapped victims and the potential for the fire to spread. NBC 7 San Diego identified the property as Summerfield Villas, a senior apartment community, and reported that two second-story apartments were fully engulfed and several residents were rescued from balconies.

Firefighters kept the fire to the second floor, though multiple apartments sustained major damage. The response included 11 engines, two trucks, seven rescue ambulances, a light and air unit and three battalion chiefs, with help from San Marcos Fire, Valley Center Fire Protection District, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and San Diego Fire-Rescue. Escondido police, SDG&E, the San Diego Humane Society and the American Red Cross also responded.

Who was affected

Five people were taken to area hospitals, the city said. NBC 7 reported injuries including smoke inhalation and possible broken bones. Four police officers were evaluated for smoke inhalation and released, and no firefighters were hurt.

The city initially said an unknown number of residents had been displaced. NBC 7 reported that more than 30 residents were displaced after SDG&E shut off power to the entire building for several hours. Residents gathered in a community room after the evacuation, according to the Escondido Times-Advocate.

Animals rescued

Firefighters rescued about a dozen dogs and an unknown number of cats from adjoining apartments. From one unit, three adult dogs and eight puppies about 4 weeks old were passed through a window to firefighters below, the Times-Advocate reported. San Diego Humane Society veterinarians evaluated roughly two dozen animals for smoke inhalation, and none needed critical care. The dogs were taken to the society's Escondido campus for emergency boarding.

Cause

The cause of the fire is under investigation. SDG&E secured electrical and gas service to the building.

The power shutoff shows how a fire confined to two apartments can still affect an entire building. Residents whose units were untouched by flames still had to leave for hours because the utility needed to cut service, a disruption that can be especially hard for older adults who depend on powered medical equipment, refrigerated medications or elevators.

Fire safety for older renters and their families

Older adults face a higher risk of dying in home fires than the general population, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, in part because limited mobility, hearing loss or medications can slow an escape. Senior apartment residents and their families can prepare ahead:

• Plan for mobility. If you use a walker or wheelchair, or cannot manage stairs quickly, tell building management and ask how evacuations work. Keep mobility aids, glasses and hearing aids within reach of the bed.
• Use alarms you can hear or see. Strobe or bed-shaker smoke alarms are available for people with hearing loss. Ask your landlord about installing one as an accommodation.
• Know your balcony. Keep balconies clear so firefighters can reach you if hallways are blocked by smoke.
• Prepare for pets. Keep carriers and leashes close and a list of your animals on file with management.
• Keep a go-bag. Include a list of medications, doctor contacts, copies of IDs and insurance cards.
• Insure your belongings. Renters insurance can cover replacement costs and temporary housing if a fire or a power shutoff keeps you out of your unit.