SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KGTV) - A brush fire that erupted near the northern edge of Camp Pendleton Wednesday grew overnight and continued to burn near homes Thursday, but no evacuations have been ordered.
The so-called Cristianitos Fire has burned 760 acres, 80 of which are located in San Clemente, and is 70 percent contained as of 4 p.m. Thursday, according to Orange County Fire Authority officials.
While there are no evacuation orders in place, there is an area near Avenida Fabricante that fire officials are paying close attention to, according to the City of San Clemente.
The fire was reported just after 6 p.m. Wednesday at Cristianitos Road, near Camp Mateo Campground, fire officials said. At that point, the blaze had only consumed 10 acres on the Camp Pendleton property.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
10News reporter Mimi Elkalla said fire crews were performing controlled burns around midday to get rid of extra brush in the surrounding areas and air crews are mapping the fire to get an updated estimate of acreage affected and containment of the fire.
Fire officials also told Elkalla that many homeowners had defensible space around their homes, helping crews to keep them safe from the blaze.
CLICK TO ENLARGE FIRE MAP (as of 10 a.m. Thursday; firefighters most concerned with circled area):
Here's a map to give you a better look at where the fire is burning @10News pic.twitter.com/06I5N6gRm3
— Mimi Elkalla (@10NewsMimi) June 29, 2017
Latest on the #CristianitosFire pic.twitter.com/gx1l6wW02l
— Mimi Elkalla (@10NewsMimi) June 29, 2017
Smoke is billowing into Orange County and portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, city officials said.
Air quality may reach unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by the Cristianitos Fire and residents are advised to remain indoors and avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion. Those with respiratory or heart disease, older adults and children should remain indoors.
Keep windows and doors closed and run the air conditioner, city officials said.
By 8 p.m. Wednesday, officials reported the fire had charred about 400 acres. However, an hour later, the Orange County Fire Authority told 10News the actual acreage of the fire was 190 acres, after accurate mapping was done.
Officials said no mandatory evacuation orders have been issued as of Thursday morning, despite the fire burning near neighborhoods.
PHOTOS: Cristianitos Fire
Road block in San Clemente near the fire at Calle Iglesia & Avenida la Pata. People getting turned around. @10News pic.twitter.com/qbwgJ0vNYC
— Mimi Elkalla (@10NewsMimi) June 29, 2017
More than 200 firefighters -- with air assistance -- are working to put out the blaze.
More backfires at the #CristianitosFire @10News pic.twitter.com/Z8ULHOH8EI
— Mimi Elkalla (@10NewsMimi) June 29, 2017
No injuries have been reported.
