CAMP PENDLETON, CA — Crews remained on scene Thursday mopping up hot spots and strengthening containment lines after halting the advance of a brush fire that burned hundreds of acres on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The November Fire was 50% contained Thursday morning after charring 560 acres on the military base, according to Cal Fire.
The blaze broke out around 10 a.m. Wednesday in the southern portion of Camp Pendleton, a few miles northeast of Interstate 5.
The fire grew rapidly through the morning, reaching about 75 acres by 11 a.m. and threatening structures. By 2:30 p.m., it had spread to 560 acres and was 0% contained.
Fire officials initially reported the blaze at 800 acres before aerial intelligence aircraft revised the acreage following more accurate mapping of the burn area.
Fire officials reported forward progress of the fire had been stopped around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, though crews continued working to establish and strengthen containment lines. Cal Fire deployed fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and bulldozers to help battle the blaze.
The fire ignited near Marine Memorial Golf Course on the base, prompting evacuations shortly after it started. Oceanside Municipal Golf Course was also placed under evacuation.
Evacuation warnings were issued for portions of northern Oceanside as the fire spread south toward the city.
All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Wednesday.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District also issued a smoke advisory for Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Bonsall and Fallbrook.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
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