On the evening of August 6, 2010, CAL FIRE-Valley Center Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at 14814 Cool Valley Road in Valley Center.
When firefighters arrived the 10,000 square-foot honey processing facility was well involved. Heavy smoke and fire were ventilating through the roof.
Firefighters had begun advancing attack lines when an explosion occurred, blowing out a large roll-up door and separating a bearing wall on the northeast corner of the structure. Crews attempted an interior attack but were driven back by heavy fire.
A defensive position was taken to protect exposures including surrounding groves, an outbuilding which housed thousands of bees, and multiple vehicles. Heavy overhaul was performed by dozens of firefighters throughout the night to extinguish hot spots as investigators combed the area for clues to the fire's cause.
The following units responded to the incident: Deputy Chief Kevin O'Leary, Battalion Chief Jeff Johnson, Fire Marshal George Lucia, 6 engine companies, 2 water tenders, 1 truck company, and 1 Breathing Support.
CAL FIRE- Valley Center Fire Department would like to thank the following assisting agencies for their quick response: San Diego County Fire Authority, Rincon Reservation Fire Department, San Pasqual Reservation Fire Department, Pala Reservation Fire Department, Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Bomb Arson Team.
