A forest fire near a military base 50 miles north of San Diego is forcing thousands of people to evacuate on Christmas Eve, according to local fire officials.
The fire started on Wednesday in northern San Diego County, much of which is occupied by the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. NBC San Diego reported that about 7,000 people were ordered to evacuate overnight in base communities and in nearby Fallbrook.
In an update posted just after 9:00 am Pacific Time, Ryan Rushing, division chief of the Camp Pendleton Fire Department, said the fire burned over 3,000 acres was contained zero percent.
Rushing said the rapid development of the fire was “fueled by steep terrain, difficult access and winds”.
Another tweet said that the Fallbrook gate of the military camp is closed to all traffic, except for emergency vehicles.
Authorities had said earlier around 7:30 am Pacific time, that 35% of the Creek fire was contained.
Early Thursday morning, Camp Pendleton ordered the evacuation of people located in their DeLuz Housing, Battalion of Wounded Warriors and Lake O’Niel Camp.
The response to the Creek fire is being led by Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and the Camp Pendleton Police Department.
This is breaking news and will be updated. Please check again for updated news.
