Firefighters are currently battling a significant brush fire in Pala, California, which erupted on Friday evening. The fire, known as the Henderson fire, started around 5:45 p.m. near the intersection of Henderson Road and Pala Mission Road. Within just two hours, it had already burned approximately 183 acres of land.
As a precaution, evacuation orders have been issued for nearby hillside communities, particularly affecting residents of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Evacuation warnings are also in place for some areas in Riverside County, just north of the San Diego County border.
To assist those affected, a temporary evacuation center has been established in the parking lot of the Pala Casino. Fire officials have reported that the blaze is spreading rapidly due to the steep and rugged terrain, which makes firefighting efforts more challenging. Cal Fire Captain Thomas Shoots emphasized that fires tend to move faster uphill, raising concerns about controlling the fire’s spread into the hills.
The initial response to the fire included more than 100 firefighters and aerial support. As of 8:45 p.m. on Friday, the fire was only 5% contained, with most of the activity occurring on the eastern side of the blaze. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to prevent further spread.
Road closures have been put in place along Henderson Road, Pala Mission Road, State Route 76, and Magee Road, making access difficult for residents and emergency services. The weather forecast for Saturday may complicate firefighting efforts, with temperatures expected to reach 91 degrees and wind gusts up to 25 mph.
Residents are urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety as crews continue to battle the fire.