Fire crews today fully contained a 600-acre wildfire in Carlsbad that destroyed or damaged dozens of homes and businesses and possibly killed a transient this week.
The so-called Poinsettia Fire broke out for unknown reasons near Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. Thousands of residents were evacuated as the blaze grew, but all were allowed to return home by Thursday night.
While checking for hot spots in a location known to have been used as a transient encampment in the vicinity of Ambrosia Lane and Calliandra Road, crews discovered a badly burned body, authorities said. The victim's name and cause of death were remained investigation.
City officials said an 18-unit apartment complex and a modular building were destroyed; eight single-family homes and two commercial buildings were destroyed or incurred substantial damage, and another 18-unit apartment complex sustained considerable damage. Three single-family homes sustained minor damage.
The structural monetary losses were estimated at between $10 million and $15 million. Neighborhoods along Aviara Parkway and Black Rail Road sustained most of the damage, according to Cal Fire.
Carlsbad city officials sought to deter onlookers after receiving reports that people had been entering the burned areas to take pictures or just explore. Photos will be posted to the city's Facebook page instead.
A list of resources for fire victims is available on the city's website, carlsbadca.gov, and can also be accessed by calling (760) 602-2740. The city's Faraday Administration Center will open at 7:30 a.m. Monday for those who need assistance with housing or rebuilding.
The Carlsbad Police Department has also established a "hotline'' for tips about the Poinsettia Fire. Anyone with information about the possible origin of the blaze was asked to call (760) 602-7599.
