Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

**Tomahawk Fire now 100% contained - Naval Weapons Station reports after review 5,400 acres burned

(UPDATE: Sun., May 18, 7:45 p.m.)

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook has reported that the Tomahawk Fire is now 100% contained. After review of the fire territory, it has been determined that the fire burned 5,400 acres, rather than the 5,500 reported earlier.

(UPDATE Sun., May 18, 3:45 p.m.)

It has just been reported that the Tomahawk Fire is now at 97% containment.

(UPDATE Sun., May 18, 9 a.m.)

Officials on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook said that as of 9 a.m. today, Sunday, May 18, fire personnel are reporting 93 percent containment of the Tomahawk Fire, with mop-up operations continuing.

Initial surveys indicate damage to two uninhabited storage sheds. There is no damage to inhabited structures or structures associated with munitions handling or storage.

The base remains in a shutdown status, with only essential personnel such as security, fire and public works on site. The base will return to regular operations Monday morning, and all personnel should report for duty.

Ammunition Road and the access route to neighboring Camp Pendleton will remain closed throughout the weekend, but will open for regular traffic starting at 12:01 am early Monday morning. The route’s maximum speed limit will be reduced to 35 miles per hour until further notice. Some traffic congestion is expected.

The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

This is anticipated to be the only update of the day for this incident, unless the situation on the ground significantly changes.

(UPDATE Sat., May 17, 11:00 a.m.)

Tomahawk Fire on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook now 75% contained

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

According to officials on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook in regards to the Tomahawk Fire, as of 10:30 am May 17, 6,500 acres have been burned, with fire personnel reporting 75 percent containment. No spot fires remain, and mop-up operations are continuing. No structures are currently being threatened.

Initial surveys indicate damage to two uninhabited storage sheds. There is no damage to inhabited structures or structures associated with munitions handling or storage.

The base remains in a shutdown status, with only essential personnel such as security, fire and public works on site.

Ammunition Road and the access route to neighboring Camp Pendleton will remain closed throughout the weekend, but will open for regular traffic starting at 12:01 am early Monday morning. The route’s maximum speed limit will be reduced to 35 miles per hour until further notice. Some traffic congestion is expected.

The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

This is anticipated to be the only update for today, unless the situation on the ground significantly changes.

(UPDATE 10 p.m., Fri., May 16)

Tomahawk Fire on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook now 65% contained at 6,500 acres officials say

Camp Pendleton fire update; San Onofre Housing Evacuation Lifted

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The Tomahawk fire that started on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook is still listed at 6,500 acres burned with 65% containment as of 9 p.m. tonight.

The San Onofre Housing evacuation order has been lifted. Residents in the San Onofre Housing Area 1, 2 and 3 may return to their homes. Residents are instructed to use the I-5 to the San Onefre Gate and use Basilone Road as the route.

The Talega Fire is now being named the San Mateo Fire (Combat Fire). It has burned 800 acres and is currently listed as 25% contained.

The Las Pulgas Fire has grown to 15,000 acres burned with 40% containment.

Evacuation orders for Camp San Mateo (62 Area), The School of Infantry-West (52 Area), Camp Las Pulgas (43 Area), Camp Las Flores (41 Area), Camp Margarita (33 Area), Marine Air Support Squadron 3 (32 Area) and Camp Vado Del Rio (25 Area) remain in effect.

Shelter in place orders for Camp Horno (53 Area), Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton (24 Area) and Camp Chappo (22/23 Area) remain in effect.

The cause of the fires are under investigation.

(UPDATE 5:45 p.m., Fri., May 16)

Officials on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook have now reported that the Tomahawk Fire is 65% contained at 6,500 acres. Firefighting efforts this afternoon have been extremely successful in gaining ground on this blaze.

The next official update will most likely be released tomorrow (Sat.) morning, authorities said.

(UPDATE 1 p.m., Friday, May 16)

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook has just reported that despite a fresh smoke system in the air over Fallbrook, there has been no change to the Tomahawk Fire - it is still at 23% containment. Authorities said the Las Pulgas Fire on Camp Pendleton is blowing smoke in this direction as is a small new fire on Base, but none are posing a threat to Fallbrook.

(UPDATE 12:50 p.m., Friday, May 16)

The Village News has requested an update from Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook in regards to the Tomahawk Fire. Residents of Fallbrook, especially in the Olive Hill area, are noticing a shift of wind direction and resulting change in the smoke pattern from the fire. Some residents on Olive Hill Road say it appears a couple of hotspots may be producing more flames/smoke.

(UPDATE 8:45 a.m. Friday, May 16)

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook is reporting that the Tomahawk Fire is largely contained to the base and no dangers are currently present to the town of Fallbrook.

At 7 a.m. this morning, it was reported that 6,300 acres have been burned, with fire personnel reporting 23 percent containment. No spot fires remain, and mop-up operations are continuing. No structures are currently being threatened.

Early surveys indicate damage to two uninhabited storage sheds. There has not been any damage to inhabited structures or structures associated with munitions handling or storage.

The base remains in a shutdown status, with only essential personnel such as security, fire and public works on site.

Ammunition Road and the access route to neighboring Camp Pendleton will remain closed until further notice.

The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

(UPDATE 8:30 p.m., Thurs., May 15)

According to Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, the Tomahawk Fire is now being reported at 6,300 acres with 15 percent containment.

(UPDATE 6:30 p.m.)

At 6;25 p.m. today (Thurs., May 15), North County Fire announced that the evacuation order for Fallbrook's Olive Hill Road had been lifted.

Video by Chauncy Miller and JP Raineri

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98pMjBWpkKc[/youtube]

"The [Tomahawk] fire just slightly lapped over the Fallbrook border in the area of a nursery; crews were very successful in pushing back the fire away from Fallbrook," said public information officer Patty Koch.

Koch said that while the immediate danger has been handled, fire crews will be positioned along the border through the night keeping an eye out for any problems.

"There were no injuries today and no structures were lost," she said.

According to Koch, residents are being permitted to return to their homes, but Olive Hill Road is open to residents only at this time.

(UPDATE 5:30 p.m., Thurs., May 15)

According to officials on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, the flare-up of the Tomahawk Fire long the station's eastern boundary has been largely extinguished. Mop up operations are continuing.

(UPDATE 5:25 p.m., Thurs., May 15)

Authorities have just confirmed that those being evacuated from their homes and business on Olive Hill Road in Fallbrook are being directed to Escondido High School, 1535 N. Broadway, Escondido.

The Tomahawk Fire on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook is now at 6,000 acres and firefighters are continuing to try and prevent it from entering Fallbrook as the fire is moving along the boundary line.

The Sheriff’s Department called more than 380 contacts including homes, businesses and cell phones just before 4 p.m. to alert of the evacuation order.

(PREVIOUS UPDATE)

(UPDATE 5 p.m., Thurs., May 15)

According to authorities with Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, a flare-up of the Tomahawk Fire is now moving along the eastern border adjoining Fallbrook. Evacuations are underway for homes and businesses on Olive Hill Road.

According to North County Fire public information officer John Buchanan, his agency and others are on the Fallbrook boundary line fighting the fire away as it travels along the border.

Some agencies are saying Fallbrook High School is being used as an evacuation center, others have said Escondido High School is the location being given. Village News is trying to confirm this with authorities.

The weapons station and the Ammunition Road access route to Camp Pendleton will remain closed on Friday.

(PREVIOUS UPDATE)

A flare-up of the 'Tomahawk Fire' aboard Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook has led authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation order for both sides of Olive Hill Road from South Mission Road to Ladera Vista.

Fallbrook Airpark has been closed as a safety precaution.

Officials with Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook reported at 2:50 p.m. today (Thurs., May 15) that changing winds have caused a fire flare-up in the southeastern portion of the weapons station. Fire officials report that containment has dropped to 15 percent. No structures are currently being threatened.

According to County sources, flames are visible from the Olive Hill area and Fallbrook Air Park. The airpark may be closed at this time for safety purposes. No evacuation orders have been issued.

(PREVIOUS UPDATE)

Authorities with the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach has provided an update regarding the Tomahawk Fire that began yesterday, Wed., May 14 aboard Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook.

"The Tomahawk fire aboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Detachment Fallbrook (also known as the Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station) remains largely contained to the installation.

Over 6,000 acres have been burned, with fire personnel reporting 20 percent containment. Some spot fires remain, and mop-up operations are continuing. No structures are currently being threatened.

Initial surveys indicate some damage to several uninhabited outbuildings, but no damage to inhabited structures or structures associated with munitions handling or storage. No injuries have been reported.

The base remains in a shutdown status, with only essential personnel supporting security, fire and public works on

site. Ammunition Road and the access route to neighboring Camp Pendleton will remain closed until further notice.

The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

(PREVIOUS UPDATE)

The following update was provided by Camp Pendleton at 1:15 p.m. today, Thurs., May 15:

CAMP PENDLETON - The De Luz Housing power has been fully restored and the evacuation order has been lifted. Residents are now able to return to their homes.

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook gates will be closed today; traffic will not have access through the weapons station into Camp Pendleton.

The De Luz Child Development Center will also be closed Thursday and open Friday for normal hours of operation. Children enrolled in the SAC at Mary Fay Pendleton can drop their children off at San Luis Rey CDC.

Children enrolled in the SAC at San Onofre elementary can drop their children off at San Onofre CDC.

Children enrolled in the SAC at North Terrace, Santa Margarita, and Stuart Mesa elementary can drop their children off at Abby Reinke Youth and Teen Center.

There will be NO hourly care capabilities at Fisher Children's Center tomorrow, due to the Deluz CDC closure. The fire started at 9:45 a.m. on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, moved onto Camp Pendleton has burned approximately 6,000 acres. The Tomahawk fire is presently at 15 percent containment. There are currently no reports of casualties or damage to structures.

Military aircraft and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent the fire from spreading off base. Camp Pendleton is in coordination with CALFIRE for the use of military aircraft in support of firefighting efforts within San Diego County.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(FORMER STORY)

UPDATE: Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station gate closed Thursday; De Luz housing area still evacuated; fire 20% contained

Camp Pendleton / Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook provided this update as of 5:40 a.m. today, Thurs., May 15:

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook gates will be closed today; traffic will not have access through the weapons station into Camp Pendleton.

The De Luz housing 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.

The fire is currently at 20 percent containment.

The De Luz Child Development Center will also be closed Thursday.

Children enrolled in the infant to toddler program at Deluz CDC can use the Fisher Children's Center.

Children enrolled in the preschool to school age program at Deluz CDC can use the San Luis Rey CDC.

Children enrolled in the SAC at Mary Fay Pendleton can drop their children off at San Luis Rey CDC.

Children enrolled in the SAC at San Onofre elementary can drop their children off at San Onofre CDC.

Children enrolled in the SAC at North Terrace, Santa Margarita, and Stuart Mesa elementary can drop their children off at Abby Reinke Youth and Teen Center.

There will be NO hourly care capabilities at Fisher Children's Center tomorrow, due to the Deluz CDC closure.

Children must currently be enrolled in the School Age Care Program in order to take advantage of care for Thursday.

The fire started at 9:45 a.m. on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, moved onto Camp Pendleton has burned approximately 6,000 acres. The Tomahawk fire is presently at 20 percent containment. There are currently no reports of casualties or damage to structures.

Military aircraft and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent the fire from spreading off base. Camp Pendleton is in coordination with CALFIRE for the potential use of military aircraft Thursday pending the wild land fire status within San Diego County.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

UPDATE: 5/15/14 2 am

CAMP PENDLETON - Two fires erupted on the outskirts of Camp Pendleton today amid dry, blisteringly hot conditions -- one blackening thousands of acres on the eastern side of the base and another charring more than two dozen acres along Interstate 5 and forcing a full closure of the freeway for several hours.

The first of the two blazes began spreading about 9:45 a.m. at Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook then spread onto Camp Pendleton land, authorities said. A subsequent wind shift led to structure being threatened in Fallbrook.

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook lost power, and will be closed Thursday.

As the flames quickly spread, authorities evacuated the station along with military housing in the De Luz area, and Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School and De Luz Child Development Center.

Those in the 14 area near the airfield were ordered this afternoon to evacuate to the Camp Margarita area parade deck.

The O'Neill Heights housing area was also evacuated, but residents were allowed to return home tonight, according to base officials.

As of about 8:15 p.m., no homes had been damaged.

About 890 evacuees sought shelter at the North County military installation's Paige Fieldhouse, and children evacuated from the De Luz Child Development Center were relocated to the Fisher Child Care Center.

Base officials said the Country Store on Mainside would remain open until midnight to serve those affected by the fires.

The second blaze broke out about 10 a.m. on the eastern side of Interstate 5, near Las Pulgas Road, possibly due to a fire that engulfed and gutted a box truck, according to the California Highway Patrol. Within 90 minutes, it had jumped to the western shoulder, necessitating a temporary closure of both sides of the freeway in the area.

By early evening, the eastern blaze, dubbed the Tomahawk Fire, had grown to about 6,000 acres, while other one had burned roughly 30 acres, Cal Fire and base officials reported. Military and civilian crews from several area agencies battled the flames on the ground and aboard firefighting aircraft.

Rail service was suspended in the San Onofre area for a time around midday due to the smaller blaze, according to North County Transit District.

An unseasonable heat wave pushed temperatures into the mid- to high-90s in many parts of the county by midday.


FIRE UPDATE: 8:29pm

O’Neill Heights Housing evacuation lifted

CAMP PENDLETON — The Tomahawk fire that started at 9:45 a.m. on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook has burned approximately 6,000 acres and moved onto Camp Pendleton before a wind shift led to the fire threatening the City of Fallbrook. Military aircraft and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department worked in coordination with CALFIRE to prevent the fire from spreading off base. Camp Pendleton is in coordination with CALFIRE for the potential use of military aircraft Thursday pending the wild land fire status within San Diego County.

The evacuation order for the O’Neill Heights Housing area has been lifted. The evacuation order for the De Luz Housing Area is still in place pending an evaluation by the power utility.

Approximately 890 evacuees reported to Camp Pendleton's Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside, which served as the evacuation site for Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel, Camp Pendleton's De Luz and O'Neill Heights Housing residents and Mary Fay Elementary School staff and students.

Children evacuated from the De Luz Child Development Center were relocated to the Fisher Child Care Center on Mainside.

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook is without power and will be closed Thursday.

At present there are no reports of casualties and no reported damage to homes.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(UPDATE 6:00 p.m.)

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The Tomahawk fire that started on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook has burned approximately 6,000 acres and has moved onto Camp Pendleton away from Fallbrook.

Camp Pendleton personnel in the 14-Area have been ordered to shelter in place.

Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel, Camp Pendleton's De Luz housing residents and Mary Fay Elementary School were ordered to evacuate at 10:20 today.

Camp Pendleton's O'Neill Heights Housing, as well as the De Luz Child Development Center was also ordered to evacuate at 12:30.

Camp Pendleton's Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside, is serving as the evacuation site.

Children evacuated from the De Luz Child Development Center have been relocated to the Fisher Child Care Center on Mainside. Parents can contact the Fisher Child Care Center at (760) 725-0845.

Base fire crews responded to a brush fire aboard Naval Weapons Station,Fallbrook, at approximately 9:45 a.m., today. Camp Pendleton Fire Department is working with Cal Fire, North County Fire, Orange County Fire, and Oceanside Fire to contain the Tomahawk fire on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(UPDATE 3:35 p.m.)

Camp Pendleton's latest update:

"Camp Pendleton personnel in the 14-Area have been ordered to shelter in place. The previous release instructed personnel to evacuate to the 33-Area parade deck."

"Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel, Camp Pendleton's De Luz housing residents and Mary Fay Elementary School were ordered to evacuate at 10:20 today.

Camp Pendleton's O'Neill Heights Housing, as well as the De Luz Child Development Center was also ordered to evacuate at 12:30.

Camp Pendleton's Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside, is serving as the evacuation site.

Children evacuated from the De Luz Child Development Center have been relocated to the Fisher Child Care Center on Mainside. Parents can contact the Fisher Child Care Center at (760) 725-0845.

Base fire crews responded to a brush fire aboard Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, at approximately 9:45 a.m., today. Camp Pendleton Fire Department is working with Cal Fire, North County Fire, Orange County Fire, and Oceanside Fire to contain the Tomahawk fire on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook. The fire has burned approximately 700 acres and moving West.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(UPDATE 1:40 p.m.)

Camp Pendleton's latest update:

"Camp Pendleton's O'Neill Heights Housing and the De Luz Child Development Center have been ordered to evacuate."

"Children from the De Luz Child Development Center have been evacuated to the Fisher Child Care Center on Mainside. Parents can contact the Fisher Child Care Center at (760) 725-0845."

"Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel and Camp Pendleton's De Luz housing residents and Mary Fay Elementary School have also been evacuated to Camp Pendleton's Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside."

"Residents are urged to call 2-1-1 for all non-emergency calls."

(UPDATE 1 p.m.)

Camp Pendleton officials have just released the following update:

"Camp Pendleton's O'Neill Heights Housing, as we as the De Luz Child Development Center have also been ordered to evacuate."

"Children evacuated from the De Luz Child Development Center have been relocated to the Fisher Child Care Center on Mainside. Parents can contact the Fisher Child Care Center at (760) 725-0845."

"Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel and Camp Pendleton's De Luz housing residents and Mary Fay Elementary School were ordered to evacuate at 10:20 today."

Camp Pendleton's Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside, is serving as the evacuation site.

Base fire crews responded to a brush fire aboard Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, at approximately 9:45 a.m., today. The fire is now estimated to have burned more than 150 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(UPDATE)

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

Many residents have reportedly heard Sheriff's patrol units telling residents near the Naval Weapons Station/ Camp Pendleton border that they are welcome to evacuate "if they wish." Fallbrook is not under any mandatory evacuation orders. Deputies are responding to questions from residents about the fire danger and officials are advising that if residents are concerned about the fire's proximity to their residence, they are welcome to evacuate. At this time, officials have repeatedly told the Village News that Fallbrook is not in any imminent danger, however, given the dry weather and the ability for winds to shift directions at any time, if residents feel more comfortable moving a safer distance away from the fire area, they are welcome to do so. Currently winds are carrying the fire to the west, away from Fallbrook.

(UPDATE)

Village News has received an update from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton regarding the current fire.

According to officials, "Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook personnel and Camp Pendleton’s De Luz housing residents have been ordered to evacuate."

"Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School, located on Camp Pendleton, has also been ordered to evacuate. Camp Pendleton’s Paige Field house, located aboard Mainside, is serving as the evacuation site."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Dozens of Fallbrook residents are under the impression that they have been asked to evacuate their residence due to the fire on Naval Weapons Station. According to North County Fire, this is not the case. What residents are hearing is the new giant loudspeaker on Camp Pendleton that is broadcasting emergency information. There are locations on the Naval Weapons Station / Camp Pendleton that are being evacuated for safety.

"There is no immediate threat to Fallbrook and no evacuations orders have been given for Fallbrook residents," said John Buchanan of North County Fire.

The wildfire erupted on Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook (Camp Pendleton) this morning shortly after 9 a.m. that as of 10:30 a.m. had consumed over 40 acres of thick, dry brush.

The live flames and heavy smoke have been easily visible from Ammunition and Alturas Roads in Fallbrook.

North County Fire public information officer John Buchanan said his agency responded before officials put out the call for help from surrounding agencies.

"They have called for the assistance of 6 strike teams from the surrounding area," said Buchanan. Insiders on Naval Weapons Station have reported that employees working in some buildings near the fire zone have been evacuated for safety.

Buchanan said the fire is moving west due to current wind currents and there is no cause for alarm or threat to Fallbrook at this time.

**Watch this website for updates as they become available.**

(previous story, Wed., May 14, 9:45 a.m.)

Fire erupts on Camp Pendleton at Fallbrook border

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

A fire has erupted on Camp Pendleton right on the border to Fallbrook. Residents in the area said the fire has spread quickly and is directly behind apartments along Alturas Road.

Base officials have not provided any specific information at this time.

Watch this site for updates as they become available.

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