Stables engulfed by flames
Many of 450 thoroughbreds set free from training facility
FALLBROOK, CALIF. — Retirement communities built on golf courses, thoroughbreds in race horse stables and other usually serene sites were engulfed by flames as the San Diego area became the latest front in California’s wildfire fight.
The fire broke out Thursday amid dry, hot, windy conditions across the region that would be extreme for any season, but are especially stunning just two weeks from winter.
It exceeded 16 square kilometres in a matter of hours and burned dozens of houses as it tore through the tightly packed Rancho Monserate Country Club community in the small city of Fallbrook, known for its avocado orchards and horse ranches.
Three people were burned while escaping the flames and at least 65 structures were destroyed, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
As the flames approached the elite San Luis Rey Downs training facility for thoroughbreds, many of the more than 450 horses were cut loose to prevent them from being trapped in their stables if barns caught fire, said Mac McBride of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
The California Horse Racing Board said approximately 25 horses were killed when eight barns burned and others in adjacent pastures were unaccounted for. Surviving horses were taken to Del Mar race track.
Trees were charred for kilometres along winding State Route 76 in the community of Bonsall and some houses lay in ruins on a road not far off the highway.
The fire remained uncontained although the winds subsided significantly overnight. Forecasters said they would return later in the day but would be less widespread.
The fire was on the eastern border of the Marine Corps’ vast Camp Pendleton, where base Fire Chief Thomas Thompson told Fox5 San Diego that the lack of wind should help the firefight.
Meanwhile, firefighters in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, gained 10 per cent containment of the most destructive fire in the state. The so-called Thomas Fire has grown to 530 square kilometres since it broke out Monday. Fire crews also made enough progress against other fires around Los Angeles to lift most evacuation orders.
The fire 80 kilometres north of San Diego, driven by winds above 55 km/h razed rows of trailer homes in the retirement community, leaving charred and mangled metal in its wake.