Mission Beach fire follows boom, destroys bayfront home

A major fire broke out on Sunday night, December 29, at a multi-unit residence in Mission Beach. Flames ripped through the entire structure within minutes.

San Diego Fire-Rescue battled the two-alarm blaze in the 800 block of Kennebeck Court for nearly two hours before it was brought under control. Crews continued to work on the scene into the night.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m., Mission Beach residents were startled by the sound of a thunderous blast or explosion. The thick smoke rising to the sky was visible from many blocks away. Fire crews arrived within minutes and began putting out the blaze. The two-story wooden house was divided into multiple units that were primarily used as short-term vacation rentals. It was known as the “Bird House” by local residents since a variety of birds were usually present on the patio.

Soon after the start of the fire, local neighbor Brandi was seen holding a single bird close to her chest. She explained, “After I heard the boom and saw the flames, I thought of the birds in that cage. When I got near the patio, a firefighter opened the bird cage. Two birds flew right away and another one fell out onto the patio. That’s when I picked this little one up.”

All residents made it out of the house safely and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown pending further investigation.

(corrected 12/31 1:10 p.m.)