San Marcos fire burns 700 acres, four structures

SAN MARCOS - A 700-acre fire that has burned at least four structures south of state Route 78 near Cal State San Marcos was zero percent contained this morning and continuing to force residents from their homes, authorities said.

The so-called Cocos Fire -- initially designated the Washingtonia Fire -- broke out for unknown reasons in the area of Cocos Drive about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. The state firefighting agency said early today it has confirmed that three structures were destroyed and one was damaged by the fire.

It was one of several fires to erupt within hours of ea...