A massive fire broke out Thursday afternoon at a vacant restaurant located at the end of the Oceanside Pier in North San Diego County, the Oceanside Fire Department confirmed.
The nearly 2,000-foot-long wooden pier was built in 1888 and is a focal point of the Southern California resort town, not far from Camp Pendleton.
“The Oceanside Fire Department is currently engaged in battling a fire on the Oceanside Pier,” the department wrote on social media Thursday.
“We ask all citizens to stay away from the immediate area.”
Video of the fire showed smoke rising above the pier, visible from Vista, 10 miles to the east, and Del Mar, 12 miles to the south, according to FOX 5 San Diego.
The fire also appears to have spread to Brine Box, a fish shack at the end of the pier.
The restaurant posted an update on social media, writing: “What is happening on the pier is sad and scary. We want you to know that our team is safe.
“From what we’ve heard, the fire started under the pier and everyone made it out okay. We will keep you updated as we learn more. Thank you for all your kind words of support. We appreciate you all very much.
The U.S. Coast Guard battled the fire from the water while helicopter drops were conducted by the Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Diego Gas & Electric, the station reported.
There has been no official information on potential injuries or what might have started the fire.
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