EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) – Three people died in a fire that destroyed an El Cajon home late Thursday night, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said.
The fire was reported just before midnight at a residence in the 900 block of Anza Street, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Neighbor James Coleman said, “I came out to see the flames were higher than the telephone pole and into the trees.”
Extra firefighters were called in to help, as emergency crews tried to rescue those who were still inside.
Sheriff’s officials said San Miguel, Heartland, Santee, and Lakeside fire crews responded to the incident.
Crews entered the structure and pulled two people from the house, but sheriff’s officials confirmed they both died after arriving at the hospital.
Another person that was rescued is recovering at the hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.
Coleman added, “I saw them carrying something out of the house. And they came back to the ambulance, and it was an older gentleman.”
As firefighters knocked down the blaze, they discovered another person dead in the home.
Investigators said the person who survived the fire was living in a trailer on the property. While they aren’t saying how he’s connected to the family living in the home, they said he tried to rush in and help.
During this fire battle firefighters faced many challenges including having to deal with powerlines, and there was also an issue with the gas line, all adding to an already intense situation.
The sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.
