Henderson Fire: Evacuation Warnings Lifted For Temecula

TEMECULA, CA ? A wildfire that scorched 256 acres near the Pala Casino is 80% contained, all evacuation warnings have been lifted in Riverside and San Diego counties as of Monday morning, Cal Fire announced.

Authorities lifted most evacuation warnings for the Henderson Fire on Sunday morning and the remainder on Monday, according to Cal Fire.

Monday morning, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department thanked the Cal Fire San Diego County, the California Highway Patrol, and law enforcement, firefighting, and first responder partners for their assistance and support during this incident.

"A reminder: fire season is year-round in Southern California. We urge everyone to have their evacuation plans in place and to communicate with their families and neighbors. Sign up for emergency alerts at protect.genasys.com to receive up-to-date information regarding evacuations," they said.

The blaze started shortly after 5:30 p.m. Friday off Henderson Road, north of state Route 76 and east of Interstate 15 in San Diego County, Cal Fire reported.

Residents in Temecula watched warily as the smoke rose from the pass, and the fire doubled in size in a matter of 30 minutes.

Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette said that, along with firefighters putting in a lot of work, "the weather has helped us out a lot." He said officials were removing some hoses from the fire line.

"We have control line all the way around the fire, which is not expected to grow any more, but we are mitigating any hazards and extinguishing hot spots," Cornette told media outlets.

During the incident, care and reception center was established for Riverside County residents impacted by the fire at Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Road.

The fire consumed an unoccupied recreational vehicle parked on the 37300 block of Magee Road in Pala, said Cornette, who added that Red Cross assistance has been offered to the owners.

"The aggressive aerial support from fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft has helped slow the fire activity," according to Cal Fire. "Firefighter hand crews and bulldozers are actively constructing control lines around the fire's perimeter to aid in mop-up operations.

"All evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings, and the zones in Riverside County have returned to normal status."

The northwest-spreading fire grew to 30 acres by 6:59 p.m. Friday as ground crews and personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters worked to subdue the blaze, the state agency said.

The fire grew to 200 acres by 9:57 p.m. Friday. It was 15% contained as of Saturday afternoon, and mandatory evacuation orders in San Diego County areas were downgraded to evacuation warnings.