U.S. Marines and aircraft with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and fire crews on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., responded to wildfires ablaze in southern California May 14.
A brush fire started aboard Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook at approximately 9:45 a.m. May 14, and military personnel and families were subsequently evacuated. The Tomahawk Fire spread throughout the day in the northeast section of Camp Pendleton burning more than 6,000 acres forcing evacuations of housing areas and various schools both on and off base.
Aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent fires from spreading off base.
Camp Pendleton’s De Luz housing area evacuation order remains in effect and the area is without power due to damage of more than 40 power lines. Crews are on site and repairs to the power lines are underway.
Marine officials are coordinating with CALFIRE for the further use of military aircraft pending the wildfire status within San Diego County.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
For fire updates visit the official Camp Pendleton Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Pendleton-Scout/244860127876?v=wall