SAN DIEGO COUNTY, California — Name: #CreekFire
Acreage burned: 4,200
Containment: 98%
Fire start time: Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 11:30 p.m.
Fire start location: 37000 block of De Luz Road, Fallbrook, CA
Agencies responding: Cal Fire, Camp Pendleton Fire Dept, North County Fire
Evacuations: Orders have been cleared as of 5:45 p.m. on Thursday.
Road Closures: Cleared
Smoke Advisory: Cleared
Real-Time Updates:
Monday, 5 a.m.
The Creek Fire has burned 4,200 acres and is reportedly 98% contained.
Saturday, 5 p.m.
The fire is reportedly 90% contained.
Friday 6 p.m.
The Creek Fire remained at 4,276 acres burned while the containment has increased to 65%.
Friday 12 p.m.
Firefighters were mopping up on Christmas from the wind-driven Creek Fire, which had burned 4,276 acres and was 35% contained and completely encircled on Christmas Eve, fire officials said.
"As of last night the fire was pretty much knocked down and they have it completely encircled," said Frank Parra, National City Fire Department director of emergency services, citing a report from a fire strike team captain on the scene. "They've released all outside fire resources, and it's now just local fire resources involved. Today's plan is to call in a few Type 3 resources, smaller fire engines designed for off-road in rough terrain, to mop up hot spots."
Thursday 8 p.m.
The Creek Fire is now 4,276 acres and 35% contained per Cal Fire in their final update for the evening.
Thursday 5:45 p.m.
Fire officials have announced that they have cleared all evacuees to return to their homes. A ring has been built around the Creek Fire helping to contain it and stop it from reaching any of the homes.
“It’s somewhat scary, yes, but over the years with the fire danger, we’re sort of used to it now," said lifelong Fallbrook resident Eden Bezzant, who says her kids, grandkids and sister evacuated for the Creek Fire, but she chose to stay.
Bob Lasike, who works in construction, grabbed his tools, a jug of Sunny Delight and put his clothes in a trash bag after getting a knock on the door around midnight from law-enforcement alerting him of the evacuation order.
"Things were getting worse because it was so close," Lasike said.
Chief Ryan Rushing of Camp Pendleton fire Department said the flames were fueled by step terrain, difficult access and winds.
Christine Welch of American Red Cross said they had about 97 individuals including 30 families receive their assistance for hotel vouchers and meals.
Some brought their horses and livestock to Fallbrook High School for safety.
Cal Fire San Diego PIO Thomas Shoots says the most active part of the fire is deep into Camp Pendleton with nothing visible from outside of the base. The cause of the Creek Fire is under investigation.
Thursday 11:20 a.m.
Some evacuation orders have been modified to evacuation warnings in Fallbrook.
Thursday 9:30 a.m. update
The fire is now 3,050 acres and according to Camp Pendleton Fire Department, it is 0% contained.
Thursday 6:50 a.m. update
Camp Pendleton tweeted out an update that the fire has grown to 3,000 acres.
Thursday 6:10 a.m. update
According to Camp Pendleton and CalFire, the Creek Fire has grown to 750 acres burned but is now 35% contained. Air assets are inbound. Evacuations are still in place for the areas listed below. O’Neill Heights has also been evacuated.
Thursday 4:30 a.m. update
According to San Diego County Fire, the Creek Fire near Camp Pendleton has grown to 500 acres and is 0% contained. Cal Fire says significant new evacuation orders are in place for 7,000 residents on the west side of Fallbrook, south of Main Ave to S. Mission Rd.
Thursday 3:45 a.m. update
According to San Diego County Fire, the Creek Fire near Camp Pendleton has grown to 300 acres and is 0% contained. Cal Fire says significant new evacuation orders are in place for 7,000 residents on the west side of Fallbrook, south of Main Ave to S. Mission Rd.
Thursday 2:30 a.m. update:
A brush fire that erupted near Fallbrook has scorched at least 300 acres and moved into Camp Pendleton, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures.
The Creek Fire was first reported about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 37000 block of De Luz Road, about two miles west of Sandia Creek Drive, and quickly scorched 50 acres. As of about 2 a.m. Thursday the flames were being was being pushed by the wind into Camp Pendleton, according to the North County Fire Protection District.
Mandatory evacuations were issued for homes on De Luz Road, Main Avenue, Doughety Street and Ceramic, Darla and Shady lanes in Fallbrook and De Luz Housing and Lake O'Neill campground on Camp Pendleton, according to Cal Fire San Diego and North County fire departments.
San Diego County sheriff's deputies are in the area notifying residents about the fire.
A temporary evacuation point has been established at Fallbrook High School, 2400 Stage Coach Lane, the sheriff's department said.
A road closure was in effect on De Luz Road at Sandia Creek, Cal Fire said.
It was unclear what sparked the fire.