UPDATE 5:45 pm: The I-5 freeway is opening back up in both directions as of 5:45 pm, however the opening may be temporary.
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A fast-moving wildfire at Camp Pendleton grew to over 1000 acres Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuations, threatening structures and forcing a full closure of Interstate 5 between Harbor Drive and Basilone Road.
The Henderson Fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Oct. 15 near Henderson Street and Brown Street in the base’s 43 Area, near Basilone Road and Las Pulgas Road.
The blaze rapidly expanded as east winds pushed flames through vegetation. Initial reports estimated the fire at approximately 75 acres, but later reports indicated it had grown to hundreds of acres, with one estimate exceeding 1,100 acres within about two hours.
Evacuations were ordered in the area of Brown and Henderson streets, while an evacuation warning was reported for the base’s 41 Area.
Interstate 5 was fully closed between Harbor Drive and Basilone Road as emergency crews responded to the growing fire. The closure disrupted traffic along the major North County corridor, and motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Las Pulgas Road was also closed between Brown Street and Stuart Mesa Road. The Las Pulgas Gate was closed to all vehicles except emergency vehicles, and Stuart Mesa Road was closed in both directions near Fire Base Gloria.
Officials also reported a power outage affecting the Las Pulgas area.
Firefighters, ground crews and aircraft responded to the blaze as crews worked to slow its spread and protect threatened structures.
The Camp Pendleton Fire Department is the agency responsible for the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The situation remains active, and acreage estimates, evacuation information and road closures may change as firefighting operations continue. Residents, base personnel and motorists should follow official instructions and monitor Watch Duty for updates.
