San Marcos fire forces hundreds to evacuate

A brush fire in San Marcos forced hundreds of families to evacuate their homes Sunday afternoon.

It happened near the Cal State San Marcos campus in the 500 Block of La Moree Road.

“I was at home when an amazing sheriff literally pounded on the door, broke in, grabbed me, grabbed my dogs and said…you’ve got to get out of here. Fire is behind your house,” Daun Everforest said.

Everforest was among hundreds of families evacuated to Mission Hills High School after a brush fire threatened their homes Sunday afternoon.

Neighbors said the fire came really close to homes on the nearby hillside.

“My daughter came running into our back bedroom and she said mom you’ve got to come there’s a fire on the hill,” Angel Martinez said.

“I stepped outside and I saw just everything was just blazing,” Ethan Ochoa, another neighbor said.

San Marcos Fire Department said crews responded to a call about a brush fire at around 3p.m. Sunday afternoon.

The first unit on scene found the fire spread out to about one acre with the heavy fuels.

A division fire marshal told NBC 7 the brush fire prompted a large response, with at least 30 fire engines, air support from Cal Fire, and Sheriff’s Deputies on the ground to help with evacuations.

Hand crews were able to establish fuel break to stop the fire from spreading and several firefighters stuck around to mop up hot spots.

Fire investigators said no one was injured, but one storage container was damaged.  

Neighbors are thankful firefighters acted quickly to stop the flames.

“I’m so grateful for you guys,” Daun Everforest said.

Fire crews were able to stop the forward rate of spread at 1.93 acres. at around 4 p.m.

Neighbors like Angel said this is a great reminder to always have a plan in case a fire starts in your neighborhood.

“Know your area”… “Read up on safety and get your to-go bags ready,” she said.

Investigators are looking into the possible cause of the fire.

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