Two people were killed and two others were injured overnight when a raging fire ripped through a residence in the community of Alpine in east San Diego.
According to the Alpine Fire Protection District, flames engulfed a residence around 1:15 a.m. Saturday in the 700 block of South Grade Road. The flames spread to nearby bushes, trees and vehicles parked near the home, adding more fuel to the fire.
Fire crews from multiple different agencies, including Alpine, Lakeside, Cal Fire and Heartland Fire and Rescue, rushed to the scene, knocking out the intense blaze by 1:50 a.m.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said four people were inside the home at the time of the fire. Two residents managed to escape the flames, suffering minor injuries. They were taken to local hospitals.
As fire investigators combed through the scorched aftermath, they discovered two burned bodies inside the residence. The victims of the deadly fire have not yet been identified by officials, but the Alpine Fire Protection District did confirm the victims were a man and woman.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner will identify the victims at a later time.
Alpine Fire Protection District official said one firefighter suffered a minor burn while fighting the flames. No other injuries were reported.
The SDSO said its Bomb/Arson Unit is now handling the investigation, which is ongoing. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Officials have not said if this case is suspected arson, and no further details were immediately released Saturday morning.
Anyone with information on this case should call the SDSO at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
