Smoke From Wildfire Triggers Smoke Advisory For Parts Of North County

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — A smoke advisory remains in effect Tuesday for parts of northern San Diego County due to a wildfire on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for areas around Fallbrook, Oceanside, Pala and Valley Center.

The blaze, called the Mateo Fire, sparked around 1:50 p.m. Monday in the Quebec Impact Training area of the military base near San Mateo Creek, according to Cal Fire. The fire burned 990 acres and was 10% contained as of Tuesday morning.

"As of Tuesday morning, the Mateo Fire continues to burn in northern Camp Pendleton. Smoke lingered mostly in the area of the fire overnight but may blow eastward towards Fallbrook and Pala as winds pick up this afternoon," the advisory stated. "Winds are expected to be mostly light and blowing towards the east through Tuesday evening."

In areas with heavy smoke from the fire, air quality is expected to range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for all individuals, according to the district. Where smoke impacts are lighter, conditions may vary from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The district advised residents near affected communities who smell smoke to limit outdoor activity. People should stay indoors, if possible, to limit their exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially those with respiratory or heart disease, children and the elderly.