California Crews Tackle Islam Center Three-Alarmer

Aug. 17, 2006
Roughly 10 engines, three truck companies and two paramedic units were sent to the scene

A three-alarm non-injury fire ripped through the Kurdish Community Islamic Center in El Cajon Thursday, causing an estimated $2 million in damage, authorities said.

The blaze broke out at the center at 511 S. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon around 2:10 a.m., according to a Heartland fire dispatcher. How the fire started was under investigation.

Investigators estimate that the two-story building -- which contains a basement -- and its contents sustained about $2 million dollars total damage, El Cajon Fire Department information officer Monica Zech said.

According to preliminary information, the fire may have started somewhere inside the roughly 8,000-square-foot building, she said.

No injuries were reported.

About four dozen firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour, including crews from El Cajon, East County, Santee, San Miguel, National City, Lemon Grove and La Mesa fire agencies, according to Zech.

He said the fire was knocked down around 3:20 a.m.

Roughly 10 engines, three truck companies and two paramedic units were sent to the scene, the dispatcher said.

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