A brushfire erupted early Thursday morning in Camp Pendleton, just south of San Clemente. No evacuations have been ordered. Photo: NBC San Diego
A fire started at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base south of San Clemente early Thursday morning and has spread to 700 acres, according to The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). Local firefighters have been working around the clock to stop the blaze from spreading, but as of Thursday morning, it was only 10 percent contained.
The fire started near Cristianitos Road and west of Richard T. Steed Memorial Park in San Clemente around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, and 204 firefighters were on the scene, according to an OCFA tweet. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Christianitos Fire Update – 700 acres; 204 FFs on scene; 10 % containment. No evacuations, No injuries reported; Cause under investigation. pic.twitter.com/KXip9StrLw
— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) June 29, 2017
Firefighters from the Camp Pendleton Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority and a group of other agencies have been working together to contain and extinguish the fire, and it is no longer spreading said Captain Brian Villiard of the Camp Pendleton Fire Department.
“No evacuations have been ordered and there is no current anticipation of an ordered evacuation,” said Captain Villiard.
Fire officials told Fox5, though, that if residents do feel threatened they should leave right away.
No evacuations ordered but if you feel your home or business is threatened, leave asap according to fire officials.#CristianitosFire pic.twitter.com/ySRz3rFaRi
— Aric Richards (@AricFOX5) June 29, 2017
The OCFA expects to have the fire fully contained on Friday, according to a recent Cristianitos Fire update by the City of San Clemente.
Residents across Orange County have likely smelled smoke from the blaze since Wednesday evening. This is a result of the tactics used by firefighters to take control of the fire, according to the OCFA.
Most recently, a smoke advisory was issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that is set to remain in effect from Thursday morning through Friday morning.
The Capistrano Valley, Saddleback Valley, and Central Orange County Coastal Areas are reported to have the greatest direct smoke impacts and unhealthy air quality. The smoke is predicted to reach mainly into Orange County and parts of LA County, but shifts in the wind could send smoke all the way to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties according to the advisory.
The SCAQMD suggests that anyone in an area impacted by smoke should avoid vigorous outdoor or indoor activity. So although the beaches at San Onofre and San Clemente remain open, it may be wise to stay out of the water in order to avoid possible smoke inhalation.
Editors Note: This is a developing story. We will continue to update you as we learn more.
