Intense flames from a brush fire burning north of El Camino Real in Carlsbad have jumped the road and have prompted mandatory evacuations.
AlertSanDiego reports it has notified 11,600 homes, businesses and cell phones to evacuate in the city of Carlsbad. Officers are using loudspeakers to make mandatory evacuation orders in the area. Authorities are asking residents to heed the warning and leave the area if asked.
Carlsbad police officers said the Poinsettia Fire sparked around 10:40 a.m. at Alicante and Poinsettia Lane and moved quickly.
In less than an hour, a line of flames were burning toward El Camino Real near Poinsettia Lane and Jasper Way.
Residents from the Cassia Heights apartments were evacuated.
Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow, is being opened as a shelter location. Pets are welcome.
Poinsettia Elementary is currently being evacuated to Carrillo Elementary School at 2875 Poinsettia Lane, San Marcos.
Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle schools are being evacuated to Brighton Gardens, 2588 El Camino Real. Parent should report there to meet students, Carlsbad police said.
Fire helicopters are making water drops on the flames.
Westfield Plaza Camino Real is serving as a temporary evacuation point for people and animals according to police.
La Costa Resort and Park Hyatt Aviara told NBC 7 there were no mandatory evacuations just yet for their area.
Both resorts, located two and three miles from the source of the fire respectively, say their number one priority is keep guests calm.
One spokesperson for Aviara said they were told by fire officials that voluntary evacuations could be coming soon.
Diane Wood, Carlsbad resident, said she is approximately two to three miles from the location of the fire.
“It’s rather threatening. Everyone is coming out of their businesses and looking as the smoke is approaching their area,” she said.
“It’s pretty scary,” Wood said.