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Public Safety

As Cocos Fire Nears Full Containment, Some Crews Being Sent Home

Helicopters drop water on the inferno as seen near the intersection of W. San Marcos Blvd and Via Vera Cruz at about 1 p.m. May 14, 2014.
Ian Hanner
Helicopters drop water on the inferno as seen near the intersection of W. San Marcos Blvd and Via Vera Cruz at about 1 p.m. May 14, 2014.

The smoldering remnants of a nearly 2,000-acre wildfire that destroyed more than three dozen structures in the San Marcos areas during last week's spate of San Diego-area blazes was nearing full containment today, authorities reported.

Gains On Camp Pendleton Fires

Las Pulgas Fire

As of May 20 at 2:30 p.m.:

  • 75 percent contained
  • 15,000 acres
  • Near northbound 1-5 at Las Pulgas Road, north of Oceanside
  • Began Thursday, May 15, 2014

San Mateo Fire

  • 97 percent contained
  • 1,500 acres
  • Northwest side of Camp Pendleton at the Naval Weapons Station
  • Began Friday, May 16, 2014

Source: Camp Pendleton

As of midday, crews had the burn area of the so-called Cocos Fire 93 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire was one of the county's most destructive blazes that broke out among a rash wildfires last week. The blaze that started last Wednesday.

A total of 514 firefighters remained on the lines, equipped with 21 fire engines, three water trucks and a bulldozer.

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The cost of fighting the non-injury blaze has reached about $6.2 million, officials said.

The fire destroyed 36 homes and a commercial building after erupting late Wednesday afternoon near Cocos Drive, just south of Cal State San Marcos. The cause is under investigation.

All evacuation orders for affected neighborhoods were lifted by Sunday, though those returning to their homes were urged to use caution due to continuing firefighting activity in the area.

Among the structures destroyed was much of the community of Harmony Grove.

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