By Angelo Haynes
A 2-alarm 3-acre vegetation fire began around 4pm yesterday, Sunday, Oct. 4, along a small drainage adjacent to the west bound trolley tracks near the corner of Merlin and Imperial Ave in the Encanto neighborhood.
Approximately 30-35 fire personnel were responding to the fire, with 10-15 fire vehicles including fire engines and battalion trucks on scene. Fire Stations observed were local Fire Station Lincoln Park 12 and Fire engines from Barona. Traffic was blocked near the post office and St. Stephen’s Church.
MTS security and SDPD were on hand and securing the boundaries of firefighting operations while staff from MTS Rail and SDG&E were observed doing maintenance checks of adjacent rail line infrastructure in what appeared to be powerhouse near the tracks. MTS Rail stated the overhead trolley lines were live at the time of the fire.
One first responder on scene seemed to believe the fire was started by a homeless encampment fire left unattended. Several vehicles at E&M auto body were also damaged by the spreading flames, with no apparent damage to any nearby structures on Market Street including a liquor store and several small shops.
Two women were observed searching the incident area for, and asking for the whereabouts of, a loved one they claimed lived in the creek bed near the tracks while the fire was burning.
The total incident lasted four hours, with responders leaving around 8pm last night. No injuries were reported from the scene. Trolley service was cut during the incident.
The author, Angelo, took some great photos – they show he was right there on top of what was happening when it was happening.