Two fires erupted on the outskirts of Camp Pendleton

Pendleton Tomahawk Fire threatens Fallbrook; Naval Weapons Station closes
KUSI.com
Posted: May 14, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON (CNS) - Two fires erupted on the outskirts of Camp Pendleton Wednesday amid dry, blisteringly hot conditions - one blackening thousands of acres on the eastern side of the base and another charring more than two dozen acres along Interstate 5 and forcing a full closure of the freeway for several hours.

The first of the two blazes began spreading about 9:45 a.m. at Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook then spread onto Camp Pendleton land, authorities said. A subsequent wind shift led to structure being threatened in Fallbrook.

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook lost power, and will be closed Thursday.

As the flames quickly spread, authorities evacuated the station along with military housing in the De Luz area, and Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School and De Luz Child Development Center.

The O'Neill Heights housing area was also evacuated, but residents were allowed to return home tonight, according to base officials.
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