Rapid Fire Growth and Evacuations on Base
A fast-moving brush fire ignited on the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Thursday afternoon, rapidly expanding to 1,117 acres amid severe, dry conditions. According to NBC San Diego, the Henderson Fire broke out at approximately 2 p.m. and was fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds that swept through the region.
The sudden escalation triggered localized evacuation orders on the military base, specifically affecting the Las Flores (41 Area) community. Officials designated temporary evacuation points at the Paige Field House in the 11 Area and the 21 Area gym. An evacuation order for Las Flores has since been lifted, though emergency services remain on high alert.
Transport Disruptions and Freeway Reopening
The heavy smoke and proximity of the flames forced authorities to temporarily shut down both directions of Interstate 5. The California Highway Patrol reported that all lanes were closed from Basilone Road near San Onofre State Beach down to Harbor Drive in Oceanside starting at about 5 p.m.
Traffic was severely impacted as motorists faced crawling delays and diversions, captured by aerial footage showing a massive plume of black smoke over the corridor. However, authorities reopened the freeway lanes at about 6 p.m. The California Highway Patrol cautioned that additional closures could resume depending on shifting wind and fire conditions.
Public transit systems also experienced disruptions. While Metrolink continued operating between Orange County and Oceanside under safety monitoring, Amtrak rail services were suspended due to high tides.
Firefighting Response and Regional Weather Warnings
Ground crews and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department deployed multiple resources alongside at least three air tankers to contain the blaze. By evening, daytime air attack units were released, while night-flying helicopters continued water-drop operations to suppress remaining hotspots, as reported by NBC San Diego.
Base infrastructure faced additional impacts, including localized power outages and road restrictions. Las Pulgas Road and Stuart Mesa Road experienced significant closures leading toward Fire Base Gloria, and the Las Pulgas Gate was restricted exclusively to emergency vehicles.
The wildfire developed against a backdrop of severe regional weather. San Diego County remained under a high wind warning for inland, mountain, and foothill zones, paired with heat advisories for coastal communities. Additionally, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued an active smoke advisory for South Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista.