American Red Cross Caseworkers Will Be in Carlsbad to Help Poinsettia Fire Victims

American Red Cross caseworkers will be in Carlsbad today to help victims of the week-old Poinsettia Fire.

The caseworkers will be available to fire victim in the meeting room at Alga Norte Community Park at 6565 Alicante Road from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the city of Carlsbad. Fire victims were asked to bring valid identification and verification of damage to their homes, if available.   

The services offered by the Red Cross include temporary shelter, food and health services. People unable to make today's event can contact the Red Cross by calling (858) 309-1338.

The Poinsettia Fire blackened 600 acres and destroyed or significantly damaged eight single-family homes, two multi-family apartment buildings, two commercial buildings and one trailer. Three single-family homes sustained minor damage.

The structural monetary losses were estimated at between $10 million and $15 million. Neighborhoods along Aviara Parkway and Black Rail Road sustained most of the damage, according to Cal Fire.

The fire broke out for unknown reasons amid red flag conditions near Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road a week ago today and may be to blame for a transient's death.

While checking for hot spots in a location known to have been used as a transient encampment in the vicinity of Ambrosia Lane and Calliandra Road, crews discovered a badly burned body, authorities said. The victim's name and cause of death remained under investigation.

The Carlsbad Police Department has established a "hotline" for tips about the Poinsettia Fire. Anyone with information about the possible origin of the blaze was asked to call (760) 602-7599.