State, U.S. forestry firefighters helping base crew knock down flames, officials say.
By FRED SWEGLES and KIMBERLY EDDS
The Orange County Register

CAMP PENDLETON – Firefighters were battling a 150-acre brush fire that broke out on a training range near the Oceanside end of the 125,000-acre Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base this afternoon.

The fire was reported on Range 401 on at 3:35 p.m., said Marine 1st Lt. Tom Garnett.

The cause of the fire was being investigated, Garnett said. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen from the Oceanside area up to northern Orange County.

The fire is burning near the base's golf course.

The base reported that there was no immediate danger to structures.

Three strike teams of five engines and a helicopter were sent to the base to help, according to a dispatcher of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The U.S. Forest Service is also sending a helicopter to help in the firefight.

Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/base-fire-oceanside-2185195-range-reported?slideshow=1