A small brush fire shut down a portion of train tracks for at least an hour Saturday evening in Oceanside, delaying Sprinter train service in North County.
“At this time, BREEZE bus unit 2625 will be providing SPRINTER service between the College and El Camino Real stations,” North County Transit District said in a post on X just before 6:30 p.m.
The fire was reported around 4:45 p.m. at a homeless encampment near Rancho Del Oro Drive and Oceanside Boulevard by the Rancho Del Oro rail station, according to the Oceanside Fire Department.
Forward progress was stopped within minutes after the blaze charred about a quarter-acre, said Division Chief Tim Scott.
Flames threatened nearby apartment buildings at one point, but firefighters managed to stop them from spreading, he added.
NCTD said on X that the station was “temporarily closed” due to the incident. “We ask for your safety, please do not enter the station,” the district said.
The Sprinter connects Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido along its 15-station route.
No injuries were reported.
