Full Breakdown
Brush Fire on Camp Pendleton Swells to Over 1,000 Acres, Briefly Closes I-5
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Fire Ignition and Rapid Expansion
A brush fire, dubbed the Henderson Fire, ignited on Camp Pendleton Thursday afternoon. Watch Duty, a nonprofit fire-tracking service, recorded the blaze starting around 2 p.m. and spreading quickly under gusty Santa Ana winds and hot, dry conditions. Within an hour the fire had expanded to more than 1,000 acres; later reports listed the total area burned at 1,404 acres.
Response and Containment Efforts
Camp Pendleton’s Fire Department deployed at least three air tankers and several ground crews. By evening all air-attack assets were released, but night-time helicopters continued water drops. Watch Duty noted that multiple night-flying helicopters remained on scene into the night. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that all lanes of Interstate 5 were closed from Basilone Road near San Onofre State Beach to Harbor Drive in Oceanside at about 5 p.m., then reopened at about 6 p.m., with the possibility of re-closure depending on conditions.
Impact on Transportation and Communities
The closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of I-5 caused significant traffic delays; drivers were diverted to Interstate 15, the only alternate freeway route. Amtrak service was suspended due to high tides, and a power outage was reported on the base. Road closures on the base included Las Pulgas Road to Stuart Mesa Road, Stuart Mesa Road to Fire Base Gloria, and the Las Pulgas Gate (restricted to emergency vehicles). Evacuation orders were lifted for the Las Flores (41 Area) sector, while evacuation points were established at Paige Field House (11 Area) and the 21 Area gym.
Official Updates and Advisories
San Diego County officials issued a high-wind warning for inland, mountain, and foothill areas, and a heat advisory for coastal communities. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District placed an active smoke advisory over southern Camp Pendleton, including nearby Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista. Authorities urged residents to exercise caution amid the fire-weather conditions.
Current Status
As of Thursday night, Camp Pendleton had not disclosed the fire’s cause. Road and gate closures remained in effect, and fire-fighting operations continued through the night, with officials monitoring wind conditions and smoke impacts.