Grade

Grade Fire Report - August 04, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Grade Fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, off the 25700 block of East Grade Road, northwest of Lake Henshaw and north of Highway 76 in the Palomar Mountain area of San Diego County.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 689 acres and is currently 90% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by medium fuels and dry brush vegetation in steep, rocky terrain. It initially spread at a dangerous rate, pushed by easterly winds and extreme heat, but forward progress was successfully halted before it could grow beyond its current footprint of 689 acres.
Containment Efforts: Unified Command involves the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit and the US Forest Service (Cleveland National Forest). Up to 350 personnel responded to the incident, utilizing ground crews, hand crews, engines, dozers, air tankers, and helicopters. Crews are currently focused on mopping up hot ash pits, extinguishing hidden hot spots, and strengthening containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All mandatory evacuation orders (which previously included zones SDC-0040, SDC-0042, SDC-0115, and SDC-0159) were successfully lifted on the night of July 31. There are currently no active evacuation orders.
Evacuation Warnings: There are currently no active evacuation warnings.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Temporary evacuation points were previously established at Casino Pauma and the El Cajon Walmart Supercenter, with small animal sheltering at the South Shelter in Bonita. These have since been demobilized as orders were lifted. While exact population numbers were not released, the temporary evacuations impacted residents of the 2,356 structures that were initially threatened.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• East Grade Road at State Route 76 (Highway 76) remains closed to all traffic except emergency personnel.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• San Diego County Emergency Portal
• Cleveland National Forest Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: No civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been damaged or destroyed. Initially, over 2,356 structures were threatened, but the threat has been successfully mitigated by fire crews.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been reported in connection with this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire burned in the vicinity of Lake Henshaw and the Palomar Observatory, but neither sustained damage.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No specific power outages related to the fire have been reported.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should always monitor local municipal advisories.
Burn Bans: The Cleveland National Forest is not currently under active fire restrictions; however, authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution. All campfires must be dead out and cold to the touch.
Air Quality: The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for northeastern San Diego County, including the communities of Santa Ysabel and Warner Springs. Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities if they smell smoke.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have successfully increased containment to 90% and have begun scaling back their response. Crews will remain on the scene to monitor the fire, mop up ash pits that threaten the perimeter, and ensure the fire holds within its established lines. Full containment is expected soon as crews finalize their suppression efforts.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Firefighters continue to work in extreme heat, with recent weekend temperatures having exceeded 100 degrees. While the easterly winds that initially drove the fire have diminished, the ongoing high temperatures require crews to remain vigilant against potential flare-ups.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Grade Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire was fueled by an extreme heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, combined with dry brush and medium fuels. Easterly winds initially pushed the fire through steep and rocky terrain, challenging early suppression efforts. The extreme heat continues to be a factor for firefighters working on containment lines, highlighting the role of severe summer climate conditions in exacerbating wildfire risks.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• San Diego County Emergency Portal
• Cleveland National Forest Updates