Before sunrise today, a quiet El Cajon assisted-living home suddenly turned into an emergency scene when a fire forced residents out of their rooms and into the parking lot, drawing a heavy turnout from area fire crews.
Dozens of firefighters and multiple engines raced to the 600 block of Mollison Avenue shortly after 6 AM, and crews stayed on scene into the morning. As of the initial response, officials had not confirmed the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured.
According to FOX 5 San Diego, the blaze prompted a response to Carroll's Residential Care in the 600 block of Mollison Avenue just after 6 AM. Several residents were seen outside in the facility parking lot while firefighters worked. The outlet reported that dozens of firefighters and several fire engines were at the scene and noted that KUSI provided on-scene video. FOX 5 also reported that it remained unclear whether the building sustained structural damage or if there were any injuries.
Where It Happened And Who Lives There
Carroll's Residential Care is listed as a licensed residential care facility for the elderly at 655 S. Mollison Ave. in El Cajon. State licensing and inspection records for the site are maintained by the California Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division.
The facility also appears in the county's long-term and residential services listings and participates in local supportive programs for long-term care residents, according to the San Diego County HHSA.
On-Scene Response
Firefighters remained at the building for more than an hour while staff and nearby community members helped residents gather outside. Multiple engines and personnel were visible throughout coverage of the incident.
FOX 5 San Diego reported that crews were still operating at the site as of their morning update and that officials had not yet announced a cause. Emergency agencies had released no additional details while the response was ongoing.
Licensing History And Safety Context
State licensing records show prior complaint investigations at Carroll's, including a Community Care Licensing Division complaint investigation report dated June 19, 2025, that documents an allegation of medication mismanagement resulting in hospitalization. Those files are public and highlight why large residential care facilities typically draw substantial fire and medical responses when emergencies occur.
County and state records also emphasize that evacuations at facilities housing many frail residents depend on fast coordination between on-site staff and first responders, particularly during early-morning incidents like Monday's blaze.
