Smoke advisory issued as crews battle large brush fire at Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Fire crews are battling a large vegetation fire visible across North County that broke out Saturday at Camp Pendleton, and a smoke advisory has been issued for the communities surrounding the Marine Corps Base.

Cal Fire reports the Roblar Fire began at 2:55 p.m. Saturday in the area of Case Springs Road on Camp Pendleton. That vegetation fire as of 4 p.m. was burning at 200 acres.

As of 6:30 p.m., the fire was reported to be burning at 500 acres, according to Cal Fire and Camp Pendleton.

Camp Pendleton put out an advisory Saturday afternoon that smoke may be visible in surrounding communities. The Marine Corps Base said the vegetation fire is within the Zulu Impact Area, which is 6.6 miles from Oceanside and 5 miles from Fallbrook.

Smoke may be visible in parts of North County like Oceanside and Fallbrook. The North County Fire Protection District also issued an advisory that smoke may be visible, but emphasized there is no threat to the areas of Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow.

Because of the wind direction, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory Saturday evening for areas north and east of Camp Pendleton — De Luz, De Luz Heights, Fallbook and Rainbow.

The department also issued a smoke advisory for Oceanside and Carlsbad for Sunday morning, as authorities say they expect the wind to blow the smoke north and east, then turn overnight south and west.

Those in the impacted areas should be aware the air quality levels may be affected and will be unhealthy in areas where the heavier smoke is.

Residents in those areas can check the air quality in real time at airnow.gov and with the AirNow widget below.

Crews from Camp Pendleton, along with several air tankers, are working to douse the fire.

According to Camp Pendleton, there is 0% containment and the cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.

Those in communities near Camp Pendleton are advised to limit outdoor and physical activity and to stay indoors when possible to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially anyone with respiratory or heart disease, or who is elderly or a child.

Check back for updates on this developing story

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