A brush fire ignited Monday afternoon and quickly spread at Camp Pendleton, creating a smoke plume that was visible to many communities in North County, officials said.
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The fire, named the Pipeline Fire, began on Range 501 near Edson Ridge in the southwest corner of the base around 2:10 p.m. and quickly spread in moderate fuels, officials said.
Within three hours, it had grown to 919 acres, according to Cal Fire officials.
“Smoke is visible from the surrounding area and throughout the county,” Cal Fire officials said.
Base officials announced evacuations for Areas 32 and 33 on the base, and said the Paige Field House will serve as the evacuation center.
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“Firefighting aircraft are actively working to protect critical infrastructure and structures in the area,” Pendleton officials said in a statement posted to Facebook. “Personnel and members of the public should continue to avoid the affected area and follow directions from emergency personnel.”
Cal Fire was assisting the Camp Pendleton Fire officials in responding to the fire.
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