FALLBROOK, Calif. -- Following a nine-day closure forced by this month's wildfires, Fallbrook Hospital was fully operational again Wednesday, authorities reported.

The East Elder Street medical center was cleared to reopen Tuesday afternoon following a combined evaluation by the Department of Health Services and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, according to the county Office of Emergency Services.

On Oct. 22, staff members evacuated the hospital and its skilled-nursing facility, transferring patients to other facilities outside the immediate threat of the wildfires.