A fast-moving wildfire near the Pala Indian Reservation in northern San Diego County has forced evacuations, degraded air quality, and prompted a major firefighting operation.
At a Glance
- Henderson Fire erupted near Pala Reservation, reaching 300 acres by Saturday
- Evacuation orders issued for San Diego County and parts of Riverside County
- Air quality warnings extended to western Riverside and Orange Counties
- Firefighters report 15% containment as of Saturday afternoon
- No injuries or structural damage reported; fire cause under investigation
Fire Ignites Near Pala Reservation
First spotted Friday near Henderson and Pala Mission roads within the Pala Indian Reservation, the Henderson Fire quickly expanded from a 30-acre blaze into a 300-acre wildfire overnight. Located near the Pala Casino, the fire has drawn an intense response from Cal Fire and local agencies battling flames in steep and rugged terrain.
As of Saturday morning, firefighters reported 15% containment. Cal Fire said they made gains overnight as fire activity diminished slightly. “Firefighters were able to make progress last night as fire behavior was minimal,” officials stated, while cautioning that dry vegetation and heat still pose risks.
Watch a report: San Diego County Wildfire Forces Evacuations.
Evacuations and Warnings Across Counties
The fire has led to widespread evacuation orders and warnings, especially around the Pala community and south of the San Diego-Riverside County line. Areas under alert included Oak Haven Estates, parts of the Pechanga Reservation, and rural communities in the Agua Tibia Wilderness.
An evacuation center was opened at Temecula Valley High School, with a temporary staging area at Pala Casino. By Saturday afternoon, Riverside County lifted its evacuation warnings, and San Diego County downgraded its orders to warnings, signaling improved containment.
Smoke Plumes and Poor Air Quality
As winds carried smoke north and west, air quality advisories were issued across western Riverside and Orange Counties. Moderate pollution levels were recorded, prompting health warnings, especially for vulnerable populations.
Responding to public concern, the Orange County Fire Authority reassured residents: “The smoke and haze some Orange County residents are smelling and seeing are from a vegetation fire in San Diego County. There is no threat to Orange County.”
Response and Containment Efforts
The firefighting effort is intense and ongoing. “We’ve ordered additional aircraft this morning,” said Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette, as more helicopters and air tankers were dispatched. Local roads remain closed to support rapid deployment of emergency crews and minimize civilian risk.
While the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert, heed evacuation guidelines, and minimize exposure to wildfire smoke until the blaze is fully contained. With summer heat building, fire season in Southern California is clearly off to a fierce start.
