News Summary
A wildfire named the Henderson Fire has burned approximately 300 acres near the Pala Casino, leading to evacuation orders for residents in San Diego and Riverside counties. The fire, which ignited near Henderson and Pala Mission roads, is now around 256 acres and 40% contained. Evacuation centers are set up to assist those displaced. Firefighters are facing challenging terrain and high flammability due to dry conditions. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Pala, California – A wildfire known as the Henderson Fire has scorched approximately 300 acres near the Pala Casino, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents in both San Diego and Riverside counties. The blaze ignited around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, specifically near Henderson and Pala Mission roads, north of State Route 76 in northern San Diego County. As of Saturday evening, the fire is reported to be around 256 acres in size and approximately 40% contained.
Evacuation orders were issued for areas surrounding the Pala community, affecting residents in both counties. Initially, an evacuation warning had been in place for parts of Riverside County, though it was lifted by 3:10 p.m. on Saturday. To assist displaced residents, a temporary evacuation center has been established at Temecula Valley High School, located at 31555 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. Additionally, a reception and care site was set up at the Pala Resort & Casino for those affected.
The Henderson Fire is currently burning in steep and rugged terrain close to the Pala Reservation. Fueled by chaparral, a type of vegetation that is highly flammable, the fire has intensified in an area that has received less than half of its normal seasonal rainfall. Firefighters made progress overnight as Cal Fire San Diego reported minimal fire behavior, leading to an increase in personnel and resources dedicated to the containment effort.
Several local roads, including Henderson Road, Pala Mission Road, and State Route 76, have been closed due to the ongoing fire, further complicating access for emergency responders and residents. Smoke advisories have been issued by the North San Diego County Fire Protection District and the South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District due to the smoke and fire activity.
As the situation develops, weather conditions are being monitored closely, with winds gusting up to 13 mph from the west and evening temperatures around 70 degrees. One structure, a fifth wheel travel trailer, has been confirmed destroyed by the fire thus far, as firefighters continue their efforts to protect residential areas and further suppress the fire’s spread.
The cause of the Henderson Fire is currently under investigation, with local agencies working diligently to assess the situation and ensure safety for all residents in the affected areas. With continued dedication and resources being allocated to the firefighting efforts, it is hoped that containment can be achieved swiftly to minimize damage and protect lives.
Residents are urged to stay informed about updates regarding evacuation orders and safety measures. The collaboration between local firefighting teams and emergency management services remains crucial as they navigate the challenges presented by this wildfire.
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Additional Resources
- KTLA: Evacuation Warnings in Riverside County
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Fox 5 San Diego: Brush Fire Evacuations
- Google Search: Henderson Fire
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Brush Fire in Pala
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Patch: Wildfire Near Pala Casino
- Google News: Pala California Wildfire
