After being evacuated from their San Marcos homes due to the raging, destructive Cocos Fire, many evacuees are experiencing frustration.
Several residents in the Cal-State University San Marcos area were turned away at a neighborhood barricade early Friday morning, prohibited from returning home despite blue skies above and no flames in sight.
Without emergent purpose, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department were not letting people in. Some 100 people were turned away at a State Route 78 and Twin Oaks Road barricade Friday morning.
Most dispersed after being turned away, but Ellen Pterudis and her son, Sean Cuadra, stuck around hoping the evacuation order would soon be formally lifted. They waited in a shopping center, hopeful for good news.
They're affectionately calling it “camping.” They stay in the shade and sleep in their cars.
While they appreciate all the hard work of law enforcement and emergency personnel, they can't help feeling frustrated. They want to go home.
“We all work. We have to get back home, prepare for work,” said Pterudis.
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SDG&E crews were in the area replacing utility poles and wires lost in the fire. Meanwhile, firefighters prowled the area for hot spots.
Some residents were permitted inside the area with proper identification.
Dr. Imam needed to get his children's medicine.
“Deputies are helping people. They’re keeping everything safe and secure,” said Imam.
San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore responded to complaints by asking evacuees for their patience, telling the media on Friday that officials are working through the list of safety protocols fast as they can.
For more information and updates on evacuation orders, evacuees can call 211.
