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Public Safety

Evacuation Warning Lifted In San Marcos Wildfire

Firefighters putting out hot spots in the Comet Fire in San Marcos on Jan. 14, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Firefighters putting out hot spots in the Comet Fire in San Marcos on Jan. 14, 2021.

Fire Information

Last Updated: 3:15 P.M., Jan. 14, 2021

Status: Active

Location: San Marcos

Percentage Contained: 0%

Acres Burned: 50

Description: Brush fire

– 1:47 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021

The evacuation warning has been lifted for San Marcos residents after a wildfire, named Comet Fire, broke out Thursday near Palomar College.

The fire broke out shortly before 12:30 p.m. in the arboretum at Palomar College and quickly grew in size.

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"Due to the swift reaction of our facilities team to contact the fire department, the fire is not a current threat to the campus," the college said in a tweet.

The blaze was burning within about 50 yards from homes along Helmsdale and Kirkwall drives, according to SoCal Air Operations.

An evacuation warning was in place from east of North Las Posas to Twin Oaks, north of West Mission and south of West Borden Road, according to the San Marcos Fire Department.

SoCal Air Operations assisted in fighting the fire with air tankers and helicopters.

Around 2:50 p.m., the San Marcos Fire Department tweeted the fire's forward rate of spread has stopped. Crews will remain on the scene through the evening in case of flare-ups, the agency said.

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— KPBS staff

RELATED: What You Need To Know If There’s A Fire

Emergency Supply Checklist

–Three-day supply of nonperishable food and three gallons of water per person.

– Map marked with at least two evacuation routes.

– Prescriptions or special medications.

– Change of clothing.

– Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.

– An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler's checks.

– First aid kit.

– Flashlight.

– Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

– Sanitation supplies.

– Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)

– Don't forget pet food and water!

Source: CAL FIRE

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