Back at the Navy Exchange, Liberty Military Housing workers walked through the parking lot, passing out food and donuts to evacuated families. The agency, which manages the Murphy Canyon properties, was working to help more than three dozen families find temporary housing.

At least three people are dead and several others injured after a small plane crashed into the San Diego military housing neighborhood of Murphy Canyon early Thursday morning. At a news conference, San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy said they are still trying to confirm if the fatalities were people on board the plane.

Thursday's crash of a Cessna 550 that killed multiple passengers and crew is only the latest example of accidents over the years.