April 12, 2014 — Heavy smoke pouring from the roof of an auto repair shop early Saturday morning sent San Diego firefighters into high gear as they raced to the shop, known as Save Auto, located at 9280 Kearny Mesa Road, in the Miramar section of San Diego.
According to Lee Swanson, San Diego Fire-Rescue PIO, the fire, which was burning in a storage space above the office, was difficult for firefighters to access since it was only accessible via a ladder located at the rear of the business.
With heavy smoke creating a thick black header and flames shooting skyward from the roof, firefighters were able to knock the fire down in 30 minutes. The first-alarm assignment included San Diego Fire-Rescue Engines 38 and 44, Trucks 40 and 44, Medic-Rescue 38, and Battalion 5 and 7, in addition to Marine Corps Engines 60 and 61. The second-alarm assignment included SDF-RD Engines 37, 39, 40 and 42, Truck 28, Rescue 4, Medic 37, Battalion 2 and 3 and Poway Truck 3773. According to Swanson, about 55 firefighters were on scene but several of the second-alarm units were released while still in staging.
Fire investigators put the damage at $100,000 to the structure and $200,000 for contents. None of the cars in the shop were damaged by flames, but many suffered smoke damage. The cause was determined to be an unspecified electrical failure in the upper storage area.
