Pala Fire 100 percent contained

PALA - A fast-moving brush fire spread over brushy open terrain west of Palomar Mountain this afternoon, blackening scores of acres and prompting residential evacuations but causing no structural damage or injuries.

The blaze erupted for unknown reasons about 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of State Route 76 and Magee Road, several miles east of Pala Casino, according to Cal Fire. As of 9 pm Wednesday night, State Route 76 was still closed.

The flames spread rapidly toward the east over flat terrain, heading toward a ranch roughly a mile away, said fire engineer Mike Mohler, a spokesman for the state agency.

As ground and airborne crews began attacking the blaze, authorities shut down SR-76 near the spot where it had erupted and cleared residents out of 10 homes in the area.

As of 5 p.m., the burn area had grown to roughly 75 acres, Mohler said. By then, personnel aboard 30 engines, four water trucks, four air tankers and four helicopters were making good progress in halting the spread of the flames, Mohler said.

Crews had the blaze fully contained at an an estimated 106 acres acres by 6 p.m., according to Cal Fire. The personnel were expected to remain at the scene, dousing hot spots, for several more hours.

Earlier in the afternoon, another brush fire scorched about five open acres alongside Highway 76 in the Bonsall area, east of Oceanside.

The causes of both blazes were under investigation.

According to Cal Fire, the Pala fire is now 100 percent contained and has burned 106 acres.

PALA - Cal Fire is now reporting that the fire is up to 50 acres and burning to the east. The Incident Commander has ordered 10 additional engines. There is one ranch out ahead of the fire.

PALA - Cal Fire's latest update said that the fire is now 15 to 25 acres, burning on the north side of Hwy 76, at the base of Palomar Mountain at a moderate rate of spread. There are now 10 fire engines, 8 fire crews, 3 bulldozers, 4 water tenders, 4 air tankers, 4 helicopters and 5 chief officers, either on scene or responding to the incident. Some structures are out ahead of the fire, but not immediately threatened.

Cal Fire is being assisted by North County Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Reservation Fire Departments, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and CHP.

PALA - Cal Fire has just reported that it has responded to the scene of a five-acre brush fire off State Route 76 and McGee Road which is east of Pala Casino. (Thomas Bros. map 1030 B-4).

Currently there are five engines, three fire crews, one bulldozer, three helicopters, and two airtankers.

The incident commander has already requested two additional airtankers and one additional helicopter.

The fire is burning in light flashy fuels, with a 10 mile per hour westerly wind blowing.

The fire was reported at 3:37 p.m. and the cause is under investigation.