CAMP PENDLETON — A fast-moving wildfire on Camp Pendleton grew to more than 1,000 acres by early Tuesday as firefighters continued battling the blaze with aircraft and ground crews while evacuation orders remained in effect for part of the military installation, and containment was reported to be 40% as of 8 am Tuesday morning.Â
According to CAL FIRE, the Pipeline Fire had burned an estimated 1,065 acres by 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Late Monday evening, Camp Pendleton announced that the mandatory evacuation order for the installation’s 33 Area had been lifted. However, the evacuation order for 32 Area remained in effect as firefighters continued suppression efforts.
The Pipeline Fire was first reported Monday in the vicinity of Range 501 near Edson Range on Camp Pendleton.
Initial reports estimated the fire at about 30 acres shortly after 3 p.m., burning at a moderate rate of spread. By about 4 p.m., officials said the fire had expanded to 150 acres, was spreading at a critical rate and posed an immediate threat to structures.
As the fire intensified, Camp Pendleton initially ordered evacuations in the 32 Area before expanding the evacuation order to include the 33 Area. The order for 33 Area was later rescinded Monday evening, while the evacuation of 32 Area remained in effect.
Camp Pendleton Fire and Emergency Services said firefighters remained engaged on the blaze overnight with assistance from multiple mutual-aid agencies.
Firefighting aircraft continued making water and retardant drops to protect critical infrastructure and threatened structures while additional CAL FIRE personnel and equipment were integrated into suppression operations. CAL FIRE personnel also supported the incident command staff.
The Camp Pendleton Regional Defense Operations Center remained activated to coordinate installation-wide emergency response operations.
Paige Field House was established as the Evacuation Control Center for military personnel affected by the mandatory evacuation order.
Officials urged military personnel and members of the public to avoid the affected area and follow directions from emergency responders.
Although the fire was not reported to be threatening surrounding communities outside Camp Pendleton, heavy smoke spread across northern San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County throughout Monday afternoon and evening. Dense smoke blanketed Fallbrook and Bonsall, while hazy skies and poor air quality were also reported in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore.
Authorities advised residents throughout the region to remain indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning or air filtration systems on recirculate if available, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity because of poor air quality.
Fire officials said updates will continue to be released as conditions change.
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Camp Pendleton Pipeline Fire reported at 1065 acres, zero containment
TUESDAY 6 am UPDATE: Pipeline Fire reported to have charred 1065 acres according to Cal Fire.
5:45 UPDATE: The Pipeline Fire has been reported at 900 acres. Zero containment. Evacuations are still in place.
Information from Camp Pendleton:
Paige Field House will serve as the Evacuation Control Center for personnel impacted by the mandatory evacuation order.
UPDATE: EVACUATION ORDERED FOR 33 AREA
UPDATE: Camp Pendleton Fire and Emergency Services continues to respond to the vegetation fire that began in the vicinity of Range 501 near Edson Range.
Firefighting aircraft are actively working to protect critical infrastructure and structures in the area.
Multiple mutual-aid resources, including CAL FIRE personnel and equipment, are arriving and being integrated into suppression operations. CAL FIRE personnel are also supporting the Incident Command staff.
The evacuation of personnel from the 32 Area remains in effect as a precautionary measure. The Camp Pendleton Regional Defense Operations Center remains activated to coordinate installation support to the Incident Commander and emergency response operations.
Personnel and members of the public should continue to avoid the affected area and follow directions from emergency personnel. Additional updates will be provided as conditions change.
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4 pm UPDATE: Pipeline Vegetation Fire on Camp Pendleton has reached 150 to 180 acres. The smoke is heavy in Fallbrook and Bonsall. Evacuations have been ordered for 32 Area as per Camp Pendleton Facebook. The Pipeline Fire is moving at a critical rate of spread with an immediate structure threat.
Close all windows and avoid going outside.
At about 2 pm a fire was reported on Camp Pendleton, the Pipeline Fire. As of 3 pm it has burned about 30 acres and moving at a moderate rate of speed. Smoke is thick in Fallbrook, but the fire poses no threat to town. Evacuations of MASS-3 have been requested. More information will be reported as information becomes available.
