Oceanside CA— At 3:10 Tuesday afternoon, several callers dialed 9-1-1 to report flames and smoke seen coming from the vegetation along Melrose Blvd, just west of the Sports Park. A full vegetation fire response was dispatched and the first unit (Vista’s Battalion Chief) arrived approximately six minutes later. He found a large spot fire burning out in the middle of the brush and grass moving uphill towards the houses located along Sports Park Way.
Due to access issues, a second alarm was requested and units attempted to find the best way to get safely get to the fire. Eventually, units were able to find a way in on dirt roads to the bottom of the fire, while other units were able to safely access the fire from Bobier.
Once the crews reached the fire’s edge, they were able to begin putting hose lays along the flanks of the fire and begin to gain control. After burning 6 ½ acres, the fire was finally brought under full control in 45 minutes. Crews then spent another hour walking the fire area and extinguishing any remaining hot spots in order to prevent the fire from rekindling. Investigators from both the Vista and Oceanside Fire Departments responded to determine the cause of the fire.
Several witness reported seeing juveniles in the area when the fire started. Two juveniles were located in the immediate area and detained by Officers from the Oceanside Police Department and Sheriff’s Department. After interviewing the juveniles, they were released to the custody of their parents.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing. Even though we have received rain in the last several weeks, fuel conditions are still dry. People need to continue to exercise caution when out in the wild land areas. It will take several more inches of rain before the fuel is moist enough to keep fires from starting and spreading.
Along with the Oceanside Fire Department, Mutual Aid was provide by Vista, Carlsbad and Rancho Santa Fe fire departments.