Public Safety
Henderson Fire reaches 85% containment at 3,226 acres
CAL FIRE lists the Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton at 3,226 acres and 85% containment.
CAL FIRE's active-incident list showed containment at 85% Sunday evening, along with a revised footprint of 3,226 acres. Camp Pendleton Fire Department remains the agency with jurisdiction, and the cause is under investigation.
An evening briefing said fire activity remained minimal as winds weakened. Crews continued strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots inside the fire to reduce the risk of renewed spread.
Officials said rising humidity and a shift from offshore to onshore winds should help suppression efforts. Firefighters planned to patrol the perimeter, extinguish remaining hot spots and identify additional hazards.
CAL FIRE's damage assessment lists one structure destroyed. The incident page reports 485 personnel assigned, including 44 engines, two bulldozers, one water tender and 14 crews.
On Friday, the fire crossed containment lines on its northwest side and forced a full closure of I-5 because flames and smoke reduced visibility.
The California Highway Patrol reopened all northbound and southbound lanes at 5:14 p.m., according to the official incident update. Drivers should continue to watch for changing conditions and follow emergency instructions near the base.
Fire: Henderson Fire
Size: 3,226 acres
Containment: 85%
Structures destroyed: One
Personnel assigned: 485
I-5 status: All northbound and southbound lanes reopened Friday
Location: Henderson Street near Brown Street, Camp Pendleton
Cause: Under investigation
Separate Scales Fire burns near the checkpoint
Camp Pendleton firefighters also responded Friday to the Scales Fire along southbound I-5 near the San Onofre checkpoint. A 7 p.m. public-information update said firefighters stopped the separate fire's spread at approximately 20 acres.
The Las Flores, or 41 Area, evacuation order had been lifted Thursday evening. Temporary evacuation points were available Friday at Paige Field House and the 21 Area Fitness Center.
Official incident information: CAL FIRE active incidents — October 18, 2026 →
Original local reporting: CBS 8 San Diego — October 16, 2026 →