Firefighters engage with the Henderson Fire in San Diego County.
San Diego County is battling significant brush fires, including the Henderson Fire and the Highway Fire, leading to widespread evacuations and ongoing firefighting efforts. The Henderson Fire, which ignited recently in Pala, has consumed 183 acres and prompted evacuation orders, notably affecting the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze, compounded by challenging weather conditions. Meanwhile, the smaller Highway Fire remains active but has damaged no structures. Residents are urged to prepare for emergencies and stay informed.
San Diego County is experiencing significant brush fires that have led to evacuations and extensive firefighting efforts. The most urgent concerns are two fires identified as the Henderson Fire and the Highway Fire, both of which have sparked community responses and disruption.
The Henderson Fire ignited in Pala on Friday evening around 5:45 p.m. It erupted near the intersection of Henderson Road and Pala Mission Road, spreading rapidly and consuming approximately 183 acres within a mere two hours. As firefighters engaged with the blaze, significant evacuation orders were issued for the surrounding communities, particularly impacting the members of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
Currently, evacuation warnings have also been expanded to include areas in Riverside County, located just north of the San Diego County line. A temporary evacuation center has been established at the Pala Casino parking lot, providing a refuge for those displaced by the fire.
Initial firefighting measures for the Henderson Fire have included aerial support, as well as the deployment of over 100 firefighters who are working to control the advancing flames. As of 8:45 p.m., the fire was reported to be only 5% contained, with considerable activity detected on the eastern flank. Road closures have been implemented at Henderson Road, Pala Mission Road, State Route 76, and Magee Road due to the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Weather conditions on Saturday could pose challenges for containment efforts, with the National Weather Service forecasting high temperatures of 91 degrees and wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph. Firefighters are now urgently racing against time to build containment lines and secure the area.
Meanwhile, the Highway Fire was reported on Thursday afternoon in the Sunshine Summit area near Route 79. This fire scorched approximately three acres near Oak Grove. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among firefighters, and no buildings were damaged. Fire crews have continued to construct containment lines and extinguish hot spots at the scene, striving to mitigate the fire’s potential for further growth.
Another separate incident, the Felipe Fire, occurred near Highway 78 and San Felipe Road, beginning around 2 p.m. on Thursday. This fire expanded to 50 acres by 6 p.m., but crews were able to halt its advance, reporting it as 50% contained by 10:48 p.m. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, navigating steep and rocky terrain, with traffic restrictions in place as all lanes of SR-78 east of San Felipe Road remain closed due to this fire.
Authorities are advising residents to prepare a wildfire Go Bag for potential evacuations. Essentials include sturdy shoes and a flashlight for nighttime evacuations, ensuring that individuals are equipped for safety should circumstances require a quick exit.
As the situation develops, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed about updates regarding the fires and adhere to all safety protocols set forth by local authorities.
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