A wildfire in Carlsbad, one of San Diego County’s most destructive blazes this week, was 90 percent contained by Friday night.
The Pointsettia fire, which started Wednesday, ripped through tinder-dry canyons and upscale neighborhoods, charring 600 acres in its path. While Cal Fire reported early Friday that the fire was 100 percent contained, officials later revised that number downward.
Nearly two dozen homes were damaged or destroyed, according to Carlsbad officials. One person was found dead on Thursday in the burned area near Ambrosia Lane and Calliandra Road, a location known for homeless encampments, city officials said. There were no other reports of injuries.
Carlsbad Police Tip Hotline for Poinsettia Fire
If you have any information regarding the origin of the fire or suspicious activity or persons who may be involved with the starting of the fires, please call (760) 602-7599 or email PoinsettiaFire@carlsbadca.gov
The Poinsettia fire broke out at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday near Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road, just east of El Camino Real. Strong Santa Ana winds fanned the flames westward toward neighborhoods and businesses.
Nearly 15,000 evacuation notifications were sent out on Wednesday. As of Friday morning, all evacuations had been lifted.
According to the Carlsbad city website, officials were controlling access for public safety purposes at three locations: Black Rail Poinsettia, Black Rail Sapphire and Poinsettia Brigantine.
Firefighters were continuing to patrol the fire area to monitor for hot spots and flare-ups.
Fire officials said the return Friday of May’s usual moist onshore flow would assist them battling the smoldering hillsides.
With the blaze reaching near 100 percent containment, city officials said Friday that they would begin to close their Emergency Operations Center.
