Oceanside CA— Early this morning, February 26, 2020, just before 1:00am., units from the Oceanside Fire Department along with Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Vista Fire Departments responded to a reported structure fire at a strip mall on Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside Engine 211(E211) arrived on scene approximately 8 minutes after initial dispatch and found light smoke in the parking lot of the strip mall.

Upon further investigation it was discovered that the Lagato Italian Restaurant was completely filled with smoke. E211 firefighters made entry into the restaurant and searched the area and found the seat of the fire in the kitchen. At the same time Oceanside Engine 213 made entry from the back of the building and assisted in attacking the fire. Oceanside Truck 217 was assigned to the roof and cut a hole over the fire to release the super-heated gas and smoke, allowing the interior fire crews to work more effectively at extinguishing the fire.
Initial conditions lead firefighters to believe the fire had extended into the attic and other crews checked the businesses on either side of the restaurant. Several businesses were filled with light smoke, but no fire extension was found in those units. Once the fire was contained crew performed overhaul and ventilated the adjacent businesses. SDG&E responded as well and secured both gas and electric.
At the time of this press release the building was completely shut off from gas until the property owner is able to get a licensed contractor out to perform inspections with the city to ensure the gas lines were secure throughout the building. Electricity was also shut down to half the strip mall until inspections can be performed.
The origin of the fire was determined to be in the kitchen of the Italian Restaurant and a fire investigator was continuing his report to determine the cause.
No firefighters or civilians were injured.