Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton Fully Contained at 3,260 Acres
Key Takeaway: The Henderson Fire on Camp Pendleton reached full containment on 19 October after burning 3,260 acres. One building was destroyed; no injuries were reported.
The Henderson Fire on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is 100% contained after burning 3,260 acres over four days, CAL FIRE reported on 19 October 2026. One building was destroyed and no injuries were reported.
The fire started on 15 October near Henderson Street and Brown Street in the base’s 43 Area. Its cause remains under investigation.
Four days, 3,260 acres
CAL FIRE lists the fire as contained at 5:00 p.m. on 19 October. At its peak, the response drew 654 personnel, 69 engines, two helicopters, six bulldozers, two water tenders and 12 crews, according to Village News and NBC 7 San Diego.
Evacuation orders went out Thursday afternoon for the Las Flores area, also known as the 41 Area, and were lifted at 7:31 p.m. that evening. Interstate 5 closed in both directions on Thursday and Friday before all lanes reopened.
However, grasses and other vegetation remain extremely dry and will continue to pose a fire risk until significant, soaking rainfall occurs,
CAL FIRE, via 10News
A second fire nearby
A separate blaze, the Scales Fire, ignited Friday along Interstate 5 near the San Onofre checkpoint. Firefighters held it to approximately 20 acres, CAL FIRE said in a statement.
Jurisdiction for the Henderson Fire sat with the Camp Pendleton Fire Department, supported by the San Diego County Type 3 Incident Management Team. CAL FIRE notes it was not a CAL FIRE incident.
A second fire, known as the Scales Fire, ignited along Interstate 5 near the San Onofre checkpoint in the same general area as the Henderson Fire. Firefighters responded to both incidents, stopping the Scales Fire’s spread at approximately 20 acres
CAL FIRE, via 10News
Key Story Metrics
| Figure | Reported Status |
|---|---|
| Final size | 3,260 acres (CAL FIRE) |
| Containment | 100% on 19 October 2026 |
| Personnel at peak | 654 |
| Structures destroyed | 1 |
| Active duration | 4 days |
✓ Verified
The Henderson Fire burned on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, San Diego County (Village News, CAL FIRE, NBC 7, 10News). It started 15 October 2026 at 2:35 p.m. per CAL FIRE. Final size 3,260 acres, 100% contained 19 October 2026 (CAL FIRE). Cause under investigation (all outlets). One building destroyed; no injuries (Village News, NBC 7). Peak response 654 personnel (Village News, NBC 7).
Editor’s note: Figures are per CAL FIRE’s incident page, last updated 19 October 2026. The Henderson Fire was not a CAL FIRE incident; Camp Pendleton Fire Department had jurisdiction.
