Fire In Pala Mesa Now 100% Contained

PALA MESA, CA — A brush fire that broke out Saturday west of the Pala Indian Reservation was 100% contained after burning seven acres and briefly prompting evacuation orders and warnings.

Cal Fire announced the full containment just before 3:30 p.m.

Cap. Mike Cornette of Cal Fire San Diego said the fire's cause remains under investigation. Earlier, investigators were "on scene, collecting witness statements," he said.

The blaze was reported at 11:33 a.m. Saturday at state Highway 76 near Couser Canyon Road. The agency said shortly afterward that forward progress had been stopped, but crews would remain on scene for several hours for clean-up.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported at about 1 p.m. that all evacuation orders had been lifted due to improved containment.

"Our units have cleared," an official told City News Service.

"For residents who are returning home, please be mindful of firefighters who are still working in the area," sheriff's officials said on X.

Cornette said that although structures were under threat at one point, no damage or injuries were reported.

Multiple agencies helped Cal Fire battle the fire, including providing additional aircraft.

Cornette earlier reminded people not to fly drones, "as those will hamper our firefight."

— City News Service