Camp Pendleton Fire Prompts Evacuations, Sends Smoke Across North County

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — A vegetation fire burning Wednesday on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton prompted evacuations and sent smoke drifting across San Diego's North County.

The blaze, called the November Fire, broke out around 10 a.m. in the southern part of the military base, a few miles northeast of Interstate 5, according to Cal Fire.

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The fire had grown to about 75 acres by 11 a.m. and was threatening structures, Cal Fire officials said. By 2:30 p.m., the fire had spread to 560 acres and was 0% contained.

Fire officials originally reported the blaze at 800 acres but later revised the acreage after aerial intelligence aircraft conducted more accurate mapping of the burn area.

"With active fire behavior and spot fires, there are threats to critical infrastructure and evacuations have been issued," officials said.

Cal Fire responded with fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and bulldozers to help battle the blaze. By 3:30 p.m., fire officials said forward progress had been stopped, though the fire remained officially 0% contained.

The fire sparked near Marine Memorial Golf Course on the base, which was evacuated shortly after the blaze started. Oceanside Municipal Golf Course was also placed under evacuation.

Evacuation warnings were issued in some northern areas of Oceanside as the fire spread south toward the city. Evacuation warnings were issued for residents in zones SDC-0317, SDC-0372, SDC-0427 and SDC-0429.

As of 4 p.m., all evacuation warnings have been lifted but evacuation orders remain in place.

A temporary evacuation center was stablished at El Camino High School at 400 Rancho Del Oro Drive in Oceanside.

San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for the communities of Camp Pendelton, Oceanside, Bonsall and Fallbrook.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.