Wildfire Near Pala Casino Prompts Evacuation Orders, Warnings

PALA, CA — A wildfire near Pala Casino scorched hundreds of acres and prompted evacuation orders and warnings in San Diego and Riverside counties.

The blaze, called the Henderson Fire, sparked around 5:45 p.m. Friday near Henderson and Pala Mission roads, north of state Route 76 in Pala in northern San Diego County, according to Cal Fire San Diego.

RELATED: Henderson Fire Map: See Henderson Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

The northwest-spreading fire grew to 30 acres by 6:59 p.m. as ground crews and personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters worked to subdue the blaze, the state agency reported. The fire spread to 200 acres and was 5% contained by 9:57 p.m.

"Fire remains active, burning in steep terrain with limited access," Cal Fire said in its last update Friday night.

A total of 160 firefighting personnel from multiple agencies were assigned to the fire.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for nearby areas. Evacuation warnings were also issued for surrounding communities, including within Riverside County.

Evacuation orders were issued for the following zones: SDC-0040, SDC-0063, SDC-0064, SDC-0065, SDC-0112, SDC-0113, SDC-0114, SDC-0115 and SDC-0159. Evacuation warnings were issued for the following zones: SDC-0063, SDC-0066, SDC-0158, SDC-0116, SDC-0117 and SDC-0118. (See the evacuation map here.)

A temporary evacuation point was established at the Pala Casino parking lot at 11154 Highway 76 in Pala. The American Red Cross was assisting displaced residents.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.