Yesterday, a fire erupted in a maintenance building at the historic Warner Springs Ranch Resort in the early morning hours, causing an estimated $100,000 worth of damage. The blaze damaged about one-quarter of the 2,500-square-foot structure and destroyed some of the golf-course landscaping supplies and equipment it housed, according to Times of San Diego. The fire was brought under control within 40 minutes, and no injuries were reported.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, this incident has cast a spotlight on the troubled history of this once-popular vacation attraction. Warner Springs Ranch Resort, which opened in the 1920s on the 2,400-acre former grounds of a cattle ranch in operation since the mid-1800s, went into bankruptcy and closed 11 years ago. The resort had boasted a 27,000-square-foot main lodge, 250 guest cottages, a 144-acre golf course, a clubhouse, four tennis courts, equestrian facilities, two restaurants, a spa, campgrounds, three swimming pools, a private airport, and meeting facilities.
In 2013, a San Diego-based hotel-management company purchased the property with promises to renovate, hoping to fully reopen the resort to the public. Despite some partial reopenings, it has mostly remained closed since.
The fire was first reported by CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire on Twitter and the cause of the fire remains unknown.
CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire is at scene of a commercial structure fire at the Warner Springs Resort in the community of Warner Springs. 2500 square foot building that is well involved, there is a threat to the vegetation. Additional resources enroute #WarnersFire pic.twitter.com/WEhGvhzfEG
— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) September 12, 2023
