Firefighters focus on hotspots, containment lines as Camp Pendleton wildfire smolders

 Firefighters are continuing to battle the “Henderson Fire” at Camp Pendleton after the wildfire grew to more than 3,000 acres, with crews focusing Saturday on extinguishing hot spots and strengthening containment lines.

Fire activity moderated overnight as winds eased slightly and relative humidity increased, according to a morning update from Cal Fire officials.

The reported increase in acreage reflects improved fire mapping and a more accurate assessment of the blaze’s growth since Friday, Cal Fire noted.

As of early Saturday, the fire was 20% contained, with a later update reporting containment increased to 35%, while the acreage remained at 3,132.

Firefighters focus on northern perimeter

Crews spent the night building handlines along the southern portion of the fire in the heavily vegetated area of Las Pulgas Canyon while working to extinguish hot spots.

Firefighters also used bulldozers to build and improve control lines along the fire’s northwest side, using ridgelines and connecting those lines to existing roads.

On Saturday, firefighters planned to concentrate efforts on the northern portion of the fire, targeting hot spots along the perimeter and within the fire’s interior, Cal Fire explained.

Crews gather for a morning briefing Saturday as efforts continue to battle the “Henderson Fire.” (Cal Fire)

The “Henderson fire” started Thursday near Henderson Street and Brown Street at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Base’s fire department is the agency in charge of the incident, with additional support from partnering agencies.

Heat advisory, dry vegetation keep fire danger elevated

A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday as Southern California continues to experience hot, dry conditions.

Fire officials said offshore winds are expected to weaken, but relative humidity is forecast to remain around 20%. Winds are also expected to shift throughout the day, with humidity recovering as evening approaches.

The increase in moisture is expected to help reduce fire activity, officials said. However, extremely dry grasses and other vegetation will continue to pose a fire threat until significant rainfall occurs.

The conditions remain a concern for firefighters working to contain the blaze, as changes in wind direction and low humidity can complicate suppression efforts.

Interstate 5 closures were reported during firefighting efforts

The “Henderson Fire” prompted closures of I-5 in both directions on Thursday, with California Highway Patrol reopening lanes around 6:30 p.m.

Another closure occurred on Friday as flames and smoke affected visibility near the freeway. By 5:15 p.m., all lanes had reopened.

Views of the “Henderson Fire” from the I-5 freeway. (CHP)

A second fire, known as the “Scales Fire,” also broke out Friday along I-5 near the San Onofre checkpoint. It ignited shortly before 2 p.m. Firefighters stopped its spread at 20 acres, according to Cal Fire.

A few miles to the north and across the county line, the “Norte Fire” also broke out Friday just before noon near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. It destroyed multiple homes and prompted evacuation orders. That fire is now at 570 acres, with 5% containment as of Saturday.

Where to find the latest updates

The “Henderson Fire” remains active and conditions may change as crews continue suppression efforts.

For the latest information, including acreage, containment and incident updates, visit the CAL FIRE Henderson Fire incident page.

https://fox5sandiego.com/weather/california-wildfires/camp-pendleton-henderson-fire-updates/