Routine Crash Training Creates a Smoke Scare

Rescue crews training at the El Toro Marine Corp Air Station staged a controlled burn Monday that released a dark tower of smoke above the base, prompting calls from people in neighboring cities reporting a fire, officials said.

Shortly after 9 a.m., members of the Crash, Fire and Rescue unit began the routine exercise, which includes igniting fuel in a large pit near several runways. The fire simulated an aircraft crash and was extinguished and reignited repeatedly during the daylong exercise, an El Toro spokeswoman said.

Capt. Scott Brown of the Orange County Fire Authority said the training is held several times each month.

“Most people who live nearby know what it is right away,” Brown said. “But some days, especially clear ones, people can see that smoke for miles and wonder what’s going on.”