CREWS BATTLE BRUSH FIRES AT CAMP PENDLETON

By Sam DiGiovanna, East County's in-house Fire Chief

September 14, 2012 (Oceanside)--Camp Pendleton fire crews are battling several brush fires that ignited on base this afternoon, leaving smoke and flames from the blaze visible in San Diego and Orange County.

Four brush fires began in a training area in the central portion of the base around noon, Pendleton officials said. Crews are expected to continue battling the blazes overnight.  A fifth vegetation fire, located in the southern portion of the base, was reported shortly after 5 p.m.

IPN reports that more than 50 acres have burned.  The fires are believed to have been sparked by training exercises.

Base officials said there is no threat to personnel or structures. No injuries have been reported.