The wildfire ignited Friday, May 30, around 5:45 p.m., prompting immediate evacuation orders for several zones near the Pala Reservation as flames rapidly spread through steep, rugged terrain. By Saturday evening, the fire had grown to 256 acres with 40% containment. Air and ground crews continued aggressive suppression efforts overnight, aided by calmer fire behavior and expanded resources.
At its peak, the fire prompted evacuation orders for zones SDC-0040, SDC-0041, SDC-0042, SDC-0063, SDC-0064, SDC-0065, SDC-0112, SDC-0113, SDC-0114, SDC-0115, and SDC-0159. Additional zones were under evacuation warnings, including SDC-0043, SDC-0066, SDC-0116, SDC-0117, SDC-0118, and SDC-0158. As of Saturday afternoon, all evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings, with Riverside County zones returning to normal status. A Temporary Evacuation Point was established at the Pala Casino parking lot.
One fifth-wheel travel trailer was destroyed. The affected residents have received assistance from the American Red Cross.
More than 250 personnel were assigned to the incident, along with 25 engines, 7 water tenders, 3 helicopters, 2 bulldozers, and 10 hand crews. Fixed-wing and rotary aircraft played a critical role in slowing fire progression, including the use of a Very Large Airtanker on Saturday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. CAL FIRE officials say crews will remain on scene conducting mop-up and reinforcing containment lines over the coming days.
Residents are urged to stay alert for any changes in evacuation status and to follow updates from CAL FIRE and local authorities.
256 acres ultimately burned in the Henderson Fire in Pala. As of 8 am Sunday morning, June 1, it is 65% contained. At 2:45 pm Sunday it was upgraded to 80% contained.
2:45 pm, 6/1/25 Afternoon Update: Due to favorable weather conditions and decreased fire activity the containment percentage has increased to 80%. The need for EVACUATION WARNINGS is being reassessed and future updates will be pushed if conditions change.
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6/1/25 Morning Update: Fire activity significantly decreased last night with the increased moisture and onshore influence, allowing firefighters to significantly increase the containment percentage. Overnight hand crews and dozers were able to complete control line around the perimeter of the fire. The focus today will be strengthening the control lines, mitigating hazards, and extinguishing hot spots.
Air attack is due over the fire this morning to reassess the need for aircraft and the temporary flight restriction. Two helicopters have been assigned to assist with mop-up today as needed.
The Henderson Fire in Pala is now 65% contained with 256 acres burned. as of Sunday, June 1 at 8 am, according to Cal Fire.
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As of the 7 pm Saturday, May 31, 2025, update from Cal Fire, there was 256 acres burned with 40% containment.
Firefighters continued their efforts in fire suppression today while working in steep and rugged terrain. The aggressive aerial support from fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft has helped slow the fire activity. Firefighter hand crews and bulldozers are actively constructing control lines around the fire’s perimeter to aid in mop-up operations.
A fast-moving wildfire that broke out today, Friday afternoon, near Henderson Road and Pala Mission Road has burned nearly 200 acres, is at 5% containment, and prompted multiple evacuation orders, according to CAL FIRE San Diego.
Dubbed the Henderson Fire, the blaze was first reported at approximately 5:45 p.m. on May 30, and remains active as of Friday evening. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
CAL FIRE has requested a substantial number of additional crews to the scene as the fire continues to grow in the rural San Diego County area. Officials have issued immediate evacuation orders for the following zones:
SDC-0040, SDC-0041, SDC-0042, SDC-0063, SDC-0064, SDC-0065, SDC-0112, SDC-0113, SDC-0114, SDC-0115, and SDC-0159
Evacuation warnings-advising residents to prepare to leave-are in effect for:
SDC-0043, SDC-0066, SDC-0116, SDC-0117, SDC-0118, and SDC-0158
Residents in warning zones, especially those with animals, small children, or special needs, are strongly encouraged to leave early.
A Temporary Evacuation Point has been established at the Pala Casino parking lot, located at 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059.
Authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow all official evacuation orders. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
