An Oceanside vegetation fire that burned 21 acres, threatened residences and business, and slightly damaged one home is now fully contained, city fire officials reported Tuesday, July 11.
The fire began near the intersection of Frazee Road and Mission Avenue in an area known as Talone Lake just before 2:30 p.m. on July 9, according to authorities. The marshy area of thick vegetation is known to be a site for transient camps, authorities said.
Firefighting units from Oceanside and Camp Pendleton responded to the blaze and began to contain it, but another fire was discovered about 200 yards farther into the area. As the fire grew with 20- to 30-foot flames, pushing embers across College Boulevard, evacuations were ordered for nearby residences and businesses.
“Heavy vegetation and difficult access allowed the fire to grow out of control and quickly overwhelmed the Fire resources assigned,” an Oceanside Fire Department report stated. “Due to the potential for the fire to threaten a nearby residential neighborhood and a nearby shopping center, additional resources were ordered including law enforcement, fire engines, ladder trucks, a water tender, a Cal Fire helicopter, and a Cal Fire hand crew.”
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to 21 acres within about two-and-a-half hours, according to the Fire Department.
Authorities suspect that the fire was human-caused. The Oceanside Police Department questioned and released one suspect regarding the fire, but no arrests were made, the Fire Department reported.
