Oceanside CA— A fire at a used car dealership destroyed a storage shed and caused damage to an outbuilding and the main structure on Monday morning, May 8, 2017. Several individuals called 9-1-1 to report smoke coming from the side of the Southern Cali Cars building on South Coast Highway. The first fire crews arrived three minutes later to find heavy smoke coming from the back corner of the building. After pulling hose lines to attack the fire, the crews determined the fire was burning between a building used for outside car sales and the main building.
Gasoline and other flammable liquids stored in the area contributed to a rapid fire buildup. Crews were able to knock the fire down within 10 minutes and keep it from spreading into the main building on the property. However, the fire did damage the exterior of the main building and outside office, as well as burned through the power lines attached to the building.

An Investigator with the Oceanside Fire Department responded to the scene in order to determine the cause and origin of the fire. After speaking with witnesses and looking at the fire scene, the investigator was able to determine the fire was suspicious in nature. Additionally, several homeless individuals were last seen in the area and had apparently been sleeping at the location. Both the OFD and the Oceanside Police Department will continue to investigate the incident.
San Diego Gas and Electric was able to de-energize the burned power lines within the hour and no power outages affected any adjacent residences or businesses. Damage has been estimated at $10,000, split evenly between the structures and the contents. Approximately $200,000 worth of additional damage to the adjacent building and cars on the lot was prevented by the aggressive work of the responding personnel.
Mutual aid was provided by the Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton Dire Department’s