On Monday, March 15, 2004 at 1331 hours, the Vista Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at 608 Crest Place. (Vista Alarm # 2004-1780) The fire was reported by an occupant in the house via a 911 emergency call to the CHP dispatch center. The fire occurred in an older suburban residential area of the city.
The first alarm structure fire dispatched Battalion Chief 1206 Shellhammer along with Engine 1211, Truck 1271, Engine 1212, Engine 1214, and Rescue Ambulance 1291 along with Fire Prevention 1241 and 1243.
Prevention 1241 was the first to arrive on the scene and reported a working fire in a single-family dwelling.
First in firefighters were faced with a fully involved bedroom that had vented outward through a front window. The fire threatened an adjacent wood roofed dwelling and power lines. A RIC crew was assigned and in place as the first attack line was put in service down the center hall via the front door.
Simultaneously, a second attack line was put in service to protect the adjacent exposure from flying brands and radiant heat and search crews confirmed a primary all clear in the fire building. Fire knockdown was accomplished with the single attack line.
A thermal imaging camera was in placed in service with the attack crew to locate victims and fire extension hot spots.
Secondary search turned up a pet dog that was safely removed from a cellar area.
The 100' by 50' wood framed structure suffered fire damage to the front bedroom and center hall. The remaining structure received heat and smoke damage. The fire was under control and contained in 10 minutes.
There were no injuries at this incident and was investigated by the Vista Fire Prevention Bureau. The cause was determined to be in the area of an electrical outlet in a bedroom area. This incident has been determined as accidental. Damage was estimated to be at $100,000 in structure and $75,000 for contents. The structure contained working smoke alarms but the occupant was outside and did not hear them sounding until smoke was visible.
Vista is in Southern California (San Diego County) and has a city and district area made up of 40 square miles of canyons, rural, city and industrial parks. The population is 100,000 people and the fire protection is provided by the City of Vista Fire Department. The Vista Fire Department is made up of 70 career firefighters and staff with 4 stations. Vista Fire Department provides EMS, Fire and Heavy Rescue service along with Fire Investigation and Fire Prevention services.
