Camp Pendleton blaze destroyed one structure, prompted evacuations, closed Interstate 5 traffic and disrupted area-wide traffic
CAMP PENDLETON — Firefighters brought the Henderson Fire to 95% containment Monday morning after the blaze burned 3,260 acres, destroyed one structure and forced evacuations and temporary closures of Interstate 5.
The containment figure, reported in a 6:20 a.m. update Oct. 19, marked substantial progress against a fire that spread rapidly during Santa Ana winds and challenged crews working in rugged terrain.
The fire began at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, near Henderson and Brown streets on Camp Pendleton. Its cause remains under investigation.
The blaze grew to more than 1,100 acres by late Thursday afternoon, threatening structures and prompting the evacuation of Las Flores, also known as the base’s 41 Area. Affected personnel were directed to Paige Field House in the 11 Area, with a secondary evacuation location at the 21 Area gym.
The evacuation order was lifted at 7:31 p.m. Thursday, according to CAL FIRE.
Smoke and flames disrupted travel along Interstate 5 on both Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s closure affected both directions between Harbor Drive in Oceanside and Basilone Road. The freeway reopened that evening.
On Friday, flames and reduced visibility again forced closures, this time between Vandergrift Boulevard and Basilone Road. All lanes reopened by 5:45 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Firefighters gained ground over the weekend as winds weakened and humidity increased. Crews built containment lines, extinguished hot spots in Las Pulgas Canyon and used bulldozers to strengthen lines along the fire’s northwest flank.
Containment increased from 20% Saturday morning to 35% that afternoon and 50% by Saturday evening. By Sunday, the fire was 85% contained.
CAL FIRE attributed some acreage revisions to improved mapping and a more accurate assessment of Friday’s growth. Monday’s update placed the burned area at 3,260 acres.
One structure was reported destroyed in Saturday’s update. The information released did not identify the structure.
At the height of the response reported Saturday afternoon, assigned resources included 654 personnel, 69 engines, two helicopters, six bulldozers, two water tenders and 12 crews.
A separate blaze, the Scales Fire, broke out Friday along Interstate 5 near the San Onofre checkpoint. Firefighters stopped its spread at approximately 20 acres.
The Camp Pendleton Fire Department has jurisdiction over the Henderson Fire, supported by the San Diego County Type 3 Incident Management Team.
