Crews Halt Spread Of Mesa Fire Near Pala Casino In North County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Firefighters have halted the spread of a wildfire that burned hundreds of acres and prompted an evacuation warning Wednesday near Pala Casino Spa Resort in northern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Mesa Fire, sparked shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday off state Route 76, about a mile west of Pala Temecula Road in Pala Mesa, according to Cal Fire. By 6:45 p.m., the fire had spread to 350 acres and was 0 percent contained.

By 7:35 a.m. Thursday, the fire was 10 percent contained. Crews increased containment to 40 percent by 6 p.m.

"Firefighters continue to make great progress strengthening containment lines," Cal Fire said on Twitter.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department issued an evacuation warning Wednesday for people near Pala Casino and temporary evacuation sites were opened.

Cal Fire announced at 8:45 p.m. that evacuation warnings were lifted and the temporary evacuation sites were closed. SR-76 was also reopened to traffic, though Cal Fire advised motorists to drive through the area with caution due to continued firefighting efforts near the highway.

"The Mesa Fire would not be considered out since there is still open (uncontained) fire perimeter, but the situation has stabilized and the fire is not actively spreading," fire officials said on Twitter.

No structural damage or injuries were reported.

Previous coverage:

Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warning Near Pala Casino