By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–The Oceanside Fire Department responded Sunday morning to reports of multiple suspicious packages discovered near Vandegrift Boulevard and Castellano Way, prompting a road closure and shelter-in-place orders as hazardous materials crews investigated.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the area at approximately 10:17 a.m. Upon arrival, responders found cans and bottles marked with biohazard warnings.
As a precaution, the Oceanside Police Department closed Vandegrift Boulevard between Castellanos Drive and East Parker Street.
A unified command was established with the Oceanside Fire Department and Oceanside Police Department, with assistance from San Diego County Environmental Health, San Diego Fire-Rescue Hazmat, Camp Pendleton Hazmat, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Bomb/Arson Unit.
Residents in the 700 block of Arthur Avenue and the 4900 block of El Mirlo Drive were also ordered to shelter in place while authorities assessed the situation.
A safety perimeter was established around the area as hazardous materials personnel examined the suspicious packages and worked to identify and safely dispose of the materials.
Traffic was temporarily diverted through surrounding neighborhoods during the response.
No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not released additional information about the materials found in the containers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
