Henderson

Fire activity moderates along Interstate 5 as crews reinforce perimeter lines

The Henderson Fire is burning in grass and brush within Camp Pendleton in northern San Diego County. After Santa Ana winds pushed flames toward Interstate 5 on October 16, fire activity moderated as crews constructed handlines through Las Pulgas Canyon and strengthened containment lines along northwestern ridges. No civilian communities outside the military installation are threatened, and base evacuation orders have been lifted.

Evacuations and Closures

• Base road closures remain on Las Pulgas Road from Stuart Mesa Road to Brown Street, Stuart Mesa Road from Fire Base Gloria to Las Pulgas Road, and at the Las Pulgas Gate as of October 16.
• Interstate 5 is open in both directions between Oceanside and Basilone Road following temporary closures on October 15 and October 16.
• The mandatory evacuation order for the Las Flores 41 Area on Camp Pendleton was lifted on the evening of October 15.
• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect for civilian communities outside Camp Pendleton as of October 17.
• Stuart Mesa Elementary School reopened on the morning of October 16.

Impact

As of October 17, officials reported zero injuries and zero fatalities, and confirmed that no structures have been damaged or destroyed. Electricity was temporarily cut to the Las Pulgas sector on October 15 to protect personnel and infrastructure, while heavy smoke and retardant drops prompted earlier travel disruptions along Interstate 5.

Conditions and Outlook

A National Weather Service Heat Advisory remains across the fire area through the evening of October 17. Winds are forecast to shift onshore and continue to ease over the coming days, accompanied by daytime cooling, recovering humidity, and dry weather. Firefighters plan to focus on extinguishing interior and perimeter hot spots along the northern flank while maintaining control lines.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of October 17. Personnel assigned to the Henderson Fire also responded to halt the nearby Scales Fire along Interstate 5 on October 16.

Official updates current through October 17, 2026.