Early Tuesday morning, a fire broke out in a Pacific Beach apartment, causing significant damage and rattling residents, according to FOX 5 San Diego. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) responded to the blaze that seemingly started from an untended space heater in the bedroom of a two-story, garden-style apartment building located at 1941 Thomas Ave.
Smoke was first spotted from the unit at around 5:35 a.m., with SDFD crews arriving on the scene just five minutes later. After a courageous effort, the fire was contained to the bedroom and definitively extinguished by approximately 5:55 a.m., as found in a report by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. One individual was evaluated for injuries but ultimately declined transportation to the hospital.
SDFD's on-site resources included 28 personnel across 4 engines, 2 trucks, 2 Battalions Chiefs, and 1 Medic unit. A fire investigator had not yet been assigned at the time of reporting. The quick response and aggressive fire-fighting tactics prevented any injuries from being reported among other residents or the fire crew, and no assistance from the Red Cross was required as the impacted resident had arrangements to stay with a friend.
Battalion Chief Chad Willenberg highlighted the importance of fire safety during the winter months, urging the public to "keep your space heater way from any combustibles and make sure you blow out any candles before going to bed, most importantly, make sure you have a working smoke detector, that’s what initiated the call from this fire," in a statement FOX 5 San Diego acquired.
