Overview
- The fire began on Camp Pendleton and, after igniting around 2 p.m. Thursday, grew from a few acres to hundreds and by some reports to more than 1,100 acres within hours under strong Santa Ana winds.
- Cal Fire issued evacuation orders for the Las Flores (41 Area) and directed evacuees to Paige Field House in the 11 Area, and base officials closed internal roads including the Las Pulgas Gate.
- Caltrans closed Interstate 5 between Harbor Drive in Oceanside and Basilone Road near the Orange County line because the blaze threatened the highway and nearby power infrastructure.
- Firefighters have deployed Camp Pendleton crews, engines, dozers and multiple air tankers with incident coordinators requesting as many as six tankers to slow the wind-driven spread.
- There are no confirmed injuries or destroyed structures so far, the cause is under investigation, and officials warn that continued high winds and heat make containment and infrastructure protection the immediate priorities.