PALA FIRE AT PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

Earlier fire in Bonsall now under control

East County News Service

Update 6:05 p.m. The Pala Fire has been contained at 106 acres. The cause is still under investigation. Ten homes were evacuated, none damaged. The Incident Commander has release all airtankers. Firefighters will remain on scene for several hours mopping up any remaining hot spots.

Update 5:25 p.m.  The fire at Pala is now 75 acres and burning toward the east.  Firefighters are making good progress, Cal Fire reports.  Highway 76 is closed in both directions between Pala Mission Road and McGee, cutting off access to Pala Casino. 

June 23, 2010 4:40 p.m. (Pala) – A 50 acre brush fire is burning off Highway 76 and McGee Road near Pala at the base of Palomar Mountain. “There are now 10 fire engines, eight fire crews, three bulldozers, four water tenders, four airtankers, four helicopters and five chief officers either on scene or responding to the incident,” Cal-Fire spokesperson Roxanne Provaznik said.

Some structures are ahead of the fire’s path, though none are immediately threatened, she added.

The fire is burning in light flashy fuels, with a 10 mph west wind and moderate rate of spread.

The fire was reported at 3:37 and the cause is under investigation. Cal-Fire is being assisted by North County Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Reservation Fire Departments, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and CHP.

An earlier fire in Bonsall reached four acres, but is now under control, with firefighters mopping up hotspots. Cause remains under investigation.