Massive Camp Pendleton Fire Now 15 Percent Contained
CAMP PENDLETON (CBS/AP) — Some 260 residents and hospital patients remained evacuated at Camp Pendleton on Sunday, as crews worked to contain a wildfire fueled by strong winds.
The fire broke out at the marine base amid hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the region Saturday. The growing blaze prompted the evacuation of 230 residents from a housing unit near Lake O'Neil and caused minor damage to four buildings, base officials said.
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton was not threatened by the fire, but a power outage prompted officials to evacuate about 30 patients to other hospitals in the area and stop accepting new patients. Service at the hospital was restored by late Saturday, but the transferred patients remained at the new locations.
Massive Camp Pendleton Fire Now 15 Percent Contained
"There was no immediate structure damage to the hospital. However, the hospital staff evacuated the patients for preventive measures," public affairs chief Sgt. Leo Salinas told KNX 1070's Ed Mertz.
By early Sunday morning, the blaze had scorched 1,500 acres and firefighters had worked through the night, according to Salinas.
More than 200 firefighters were at the scene. The fire was 15 percent contained. Its cause was under investigation.
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