Wildfire threatens homes near Palomar College

SAN MARCOS (CNS) - A brush fire swept over brushy hillsides in the area of Palomar College Thursday, Jan. 14, threatening structures and prompting evacuations in nearby residential neighborhoods.

The blaze dubbed the Comet Fire erupted for unknown reasons shortly before 12:30 p.m. off West Mission Avenue, near Comet Circle in San Marcos, according to the city's fire department.

The flames soon were burning within about 50 yards from residences along Helmsdale and Kirkwall drives, prompting evacuations along those streets just east of the college as ground crews and personnel aboard firefightin...