By Gina Yarbrough
North County, CA–A wildfire on Camp Pendleton grew to 1,404 acres Thursday as Santa Ana winds fueled the blaze, sending heavy smoke into the air, prompting evacuations and forcing a temporary closure of Interstate 5.
The Henderson Fire was reported at approximately 2:35 p.m. near Henderson and Brown Streets in the base’s 43 Area. The fire spread rapidly amid dry, gusty northeast winds, with containment at 0% as of Thursday evening.
The fire prompted evacuations in Camp Pendleton’s 41 Area.
The California Highway Patrol’s Oceanside office issued a SigAlert at approximately 5 p.m., closing southbound Interstate 5 at Basilone Road and northbound Interstate 5 at Harbor Drive for nearly an hour.
The freeway reopened by 6 p.m., and evacuation orders were lifted. However, the fire remained active, with firefighters continuing efforts to contain the blaze.
Camp Pendleton officials also announced that Stuart Mesa Road was closed in both directions between the 41 Area and Fire Base Gloria.
Fire crews used ground resources and aircraft, including air tankers, to battle the flames.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District reported that the fire was burning in Las Pulgas Canyon in the southern portion of Camp Pendleton, producing significant amounts of smoke.
Moderate northeast winds were expected to strengthen Thursday night, pushing smoke southwest toward the ocean. Some smoke could drift offshore before moving south, potentially affecting Oceanside, Carlsbad and Vista overnight.
Residents and workers in southern Camp Pendleton were expected to experience smoke impacts Thursday evening and overnight.
Air quality near the fire, where smoke concentrations were highest, could range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for everyone. Areas experiencing lighter smoke could see air quality levels ranging from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Health officials advised people in affected communities who smell smoke to limit outdoor activities and strenuous physical exertion. Staying indoors, when possible, can help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter and other air pollutants.
Children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions were urged to take particular precautions.
The cause of the Henderson Fire remained under investigation.
