Deadly Fire Investigation – Unincorporated Escondido 

June 16, 2023 – San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials report that the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating a deadly fire in the unincorporated area of Escondido.

It happened on Thursday, June 15 just before 2:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Alexander Drive. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received calls about a house on fire. The fire was initially reported by a commuter driving on the freeway who spotted dark smoke coming from the house on Alexander Drive. 

Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff's Station 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. Unfortunately, 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.

Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Detectives responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is a regional resource that investigates fires involving suspicious circumstances, serious injuries, and death.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department