Escondido Avocado Plant Is Destroyed by Blaze

The warehouse of Henry Avocado Co., one of North County’s largest avocado growers and packing firms, was destroyed Tuesday night by a two-alarm fire.

The major Escondido packer, at 2355 E. Lincoln Ave., was gutted by the blaze that began about 7:42 p.m., said Capt. Duane Dibble of the Escondido Fire Department.

It was not known what started the fire at the metal and wood, 7,500-square-foot warehouse, which contained wooden boxes, avocados, farm and packing equipment, Dibble said.

“The fire inspectors are on the scene, but right now it looks like a total loss,” he said.

More than 20 firefighters battled the blaze for 90 minutes before it was brought under control, Dibble said.

Owned by Gil and Warren Henry, the company is considered one of the most aggressive and innovative avocado management and packing firms in North County. The packing house was capable of processing more than 7 million pounds of the fruit a week, according to Gil Henry.

The estimated dollar loss from the fire will be determined today, the Fire Department said.