SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Fire crews are battling a growing brush fire in northern San Diego County that started on Friday. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for nearby residents.
As of 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Henderson Fire has burned 300 acres and is 15% contained, according to Cal Fire San Diego.
“Fire remains active, burning in steep terrain with limited access. 160 firefighters from multiple agencies remain at scene working to slow the spread. Red Cross is assisting residents displaced by the fire,” the fire agency said in a post on X.
The fire started around 5:45 p.m. Friday at around 5 acres and grew to nearly 60 acres by 7 p.m.
By 7:20 p.m., the fire had escalated to 145 acres. Within 30 minutes, Cal Fire San Diego said the fire was at 182 acres and 0% contained, and most active on the eastern flank.
The Henderson Fire was burning along the 35000 block of Henderson Road, north of Highway 76 in Pala, at a moderate rate of spread in grass and brush.
According to Cal Fire and Alert San Diego, there are evacuation orders and warnings in place for nearby residents in Pala near the Pala Shooting Range as the fire was reported to be threatening structures. View those areas here.
A temporary evacuation point has been set up at the Pala Resort & Casino parking lot at 11154 Hwy 76 in Pala.
Evacuation warnings have since been issued for parts of Riverside County just north of the San Diego County line, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reports. The County of Riverside Emergency Management Department said it is working with the Riverside County Dept. of Public Social Services and RivCO animalSERVICES to establish a Reception and Care site for Riverside County residents who choose to evacuate due to the Evacuation Warning impacting southern Riverside County.
Due to the brush fire, CHP Oceanside has closed parts of Henderson Road and Pala Mission Road, and SR-76 at Magee Road.
The North County Fire Protection District issued a smoke advisory but emphasized there is no threat to the district at this time.