Henderson Fire Burns Nearly 60 Acres in Pala, California

PALA, Calif. — Firefighters are currently battling the Henderson Fire, a brush fire that broke out Friday evening. The blaze was first reported at about 5:42 p.m. on Henderson Road, approximately a mile and a half north of Highway 76.

According to Cal Fire, the fire has burned nearly 60 acres and is spreading at a moderate rate through grass and brush. Large areas northeast of Pala have been placed under evacuation orders, with warnings also issued for surrounding regions.

A temporary evacuation point has been established at the Pala Casino parking lot located at 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059. Emergency services are on site to assist residents.

Images from AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego show a significant plume of smoke rising from the fire area. Fortunately, Cal Fire reports that no structures are threatened at this time, as the fire is burning in a remote location.

This fire occurs during a period when Santa Ana winds are blowing across Southern California, creating conditions that elevate fire risks. The winds can be warm and dry, contributing to rapid fire growth once a fire starts.

The water year, which began on October 1, measures rain totals through the following September. When rainfall is below average, vegetation becomes dry and serves as fuel for wildfires. This year’s conditions make the region particularly vulnerable to fire.

In response to critical fire danger, power companies may implement pre-planned power shut-offs to prevent electrical equipment from sparking fires. This precaution is necessary as high temperatures lead to increased electricity demand and stress on the power grid. School districts often close during these high-risk periods, providing safe spaces for fire crews to monitor the situation.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.