Overview of the Henderson Fire
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) – Several hundred firefighters have successfully brought a major brush fire in northern San Diego County under control after its outbreak on Friday. The authorities have lifted previous evacuation orders and road closures that affected the area.
As of Monday morning, the Henderson Fire, which has burned approximately 256 acres, was reported to be 95% contained, according to Cal Fire San Diego.
Fire Details and Affected Areas
The Henderson Fire ignited along the 35000 block of Henderson Road, located north of Highway 76 in Pala. The fire spread primarily through grassy and brushy areas.
Nearly 300 firefighters, supported by aerial tankers, worked diligently throughout the weekend to manage and contain the fire. Initial reports suggested that fire behavior was subdued overnight Friday, allowing crews to make significant headway.
However, due to steep and rugged terrain near the Pala Reservation, additional firefighting resources and personnel were called in on Saturday to assist in combating the flames.
Firefighting Efforts and Conditions
Firefighters received substantial aerial support on Saturday. Both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft were deployed for “aggressive” air assault techniques that effectively reduced fire activity, according to Cal Fire sources.
The impact of the fire included the destruction of one structure—a fifth wheel travel trailer. Residents affected by this loss have been offered support through the Red Cross.
Timeline of the Fire’s Progress
The Henderson Fire ignited around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, starting from a modest 5 acres. Within a few hours, the area burned expanded dramatically to 182 acres by 8 p.m. with no containment measures in place. The rapid growth raised immediate concerns for surrounding communities.
By the following day, Saturday, the fire had grown to 256 acres, prompting firefighters to continue efforts to achieve full containment throughout the weekend.
Containment Progress and Weather Conditions
Cal Fire reported that favorable weather conditions played a role in containment efforts. By Sunday afternoon, crews managed to contain the fire to approximately 80% due to increased moisture in the air, which aided firefighting efforts. Hand crews and bulldozers established a control line around the perimeter overnight into Sunday, bolstering the fire response.
On Sunday, two helicopters were assigned to assist with mop-up operations, ensuring that smoldering hotspots could be adequately addressed.
Evacuations and Community Impact
On Saturday afternoon, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department updated all existing evacuation orders to evacuation warnings for the residents near the Pala Shooting Range. Subsequently, by Sunday evening, all remaining evacuation warnings and road closures were lifted, marking a crucial step towards returning to normalcy for residents in the area.
Furthermore, some residents in southern Riverside County had been placed under an evacuation warning from Friday night through Saturday, which was later rescinded. The Reception and Care site established for displaced individuals was also closed as of 3 p.m. Saturday as the situation improved.
Broader Community Response
The North County Fire Protection District, which serves the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Rainbow, deployed a unit to support firefighting efforts at the Pala fire. They also issued a smoke advisory for the surrounding areas due to the influence of the fire.
Witnesses in Orange County reported seeing and smelling smoke from the Pala fire, indicating that the effects of the blaze were felt beyond San Diego’s borders, highlighting the regional impact of such incidents.
Conclusion
The Henderson Fire serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by wildfires in California, particularly during dry seasons. The efforts of the hundreds of dedicated firefighters, supported by aerial resources, exemplify the commitment to ensuring the safety of communities at risk. As the fire remains nearly fully contained, the focus now shifts to recovery and assessing the damage caused by this unfortunate event.
For further news updates regarding local fires, weather, or community safety measures, residents should stay connected with local news outlets.
