A brush fire reported Wednesday morning inside Camp Pendleton grew to 560 acres by midafternoon, leading to evacuation warnings for nearby Oceanside neighborhoods and an evacuation center opened at El Camino High School.
A brush fire inside Camp Pendleton burned through the late afternoon Wednesday, threatening structures and setting off an evacuation order for the base’s golf course along with warnings in nearby Oceanside neighborhoods.
The blaze, dubbed the November fire, was reported at 10 a.m. in the November Training Area near Wire Mountain Housing, according to the Marine Corps Base. By 2:30 p.m., it had been mapped at 560 acres, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
Cal Fire is working alongside the Camp Pendleton Fire Department to fight the flames using air tankers, helicopters and ground crews.
Evacuation warnings are in place in residential areas of Oceanside along the base’s southern perimeter. An evacuation center has been opened at El Camino High School, 400 Rancho Del Oro Drive, and an updated map of evacuation areas is available online.
Rep. Mike Levin (D-Dana Point) issued a statement urging residents to take the situation seriously. “To the firefighters and first responders on the ground. I join a very grateful community in thanking you for all that you do to keep us safe. ” he said. “If you are in the area, please follow all evacuation orders and guidance from local fire authorities.”.
The fire also prompted an air quality advisory for Camp Pendleton and for communities of Oceanside, Bonsall and Fallbrook. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District said onshore winds are pushing smoke east and northeast of the blaze.
Residents in those areas are advised to stay indoors where possible—especially people with respiratory or heart disease, elderly individuals and children.
Camp Pendleton November fire Oceanside evacuation warnings El Camino High School evacuation center Cal Fire air quality advisory Bonsall Fallbrook