Camp Pendleton Fire Briefly Prompts Evacuations In North County

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — A brush fire broke out Wednesday on Camp Pendleton that briefly prompted evacuations, threatened a structure and sent smoke into surrounding communities.

The blaze, called the Hotel Fire, sparked in the northeastern reaches of the military base, near De Luz Road in Fallbrook, according to North County Fire Protection District.

By 1:15 p.m., the flames had scorched 6 acres but remained on Camp Pendleton property, North County Fire officials said. The fire, which was spreading through heavy vegetation, threatened a structure on De Luz Road.

By 2 p.m., the fire on De Luz Road and Weisgarber Gate Road was moving at a moderate rate of spread and had spread to 10 acres, according to Cal Fire San Diego. Cal Fire and Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked to fight the flames from the air and on the ground.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department briefly issued an evacuation order in the locations of 38851 De Luz Road to 38658 De Luz Road, as well as an evacuation warning for the areas of Green Valley Road, Riverview Road and Daily Road. The evacuation order was lifted just before 3 p.m. as crews halted the spread of the blaze, according to Cal Fire.

A temporary evacuation point was established at Ingold Sports Park at 2551 Olive Hill Road in Fallbrook.

Smoke from the fire was visible in northern San Diego County and southwest Riverside County.

The Camp Pendleton Fire Department announced Monday it was holding its annual Fire School this week at the base. It was unclear whether the brush fire was related to the school's training exercises.

Also see:

• Smoke Possible In North County As Crews Train At Camp Pendleton