Mandatory Evacuations Ordered, Brush Fire in Pala Burns 45 Acres

The fire began at a home on Pala Temecula Road, then spread to nearby vegetation

Nearly 200 firefighters worked throughout the night battling a brush fire burning near Pala.

The fire scorched 45 acres and was 15 percent contained as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire confimed.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered on Temepa Rd., west of Pala Temecula Rd., Tuesday evening after a house fire spread to surrounding brush.

The fire first sparked at 1:55 p.m. in a two-story home located at 38850 Pala Temecula Rd., Cal Fire officials said, approximately 57 miles north of downtown San Diego.

Raw video shows smoke rising above the brush in Pala as firefighters battle the fire that spread to 45 acres Tuesday afternoon

Soon, the flames extended into vegetation surrounding the property.

Crews from several agencies were called to the scene to help knock out the fire and provide traffic control for the area.

[G] Mandatory Evacuations Ordered, Pala Fire Spreads to 45 Acres

According to Cal Fire, there were seven air tankers, three helicopters and 25 engines on scene during the peak of the fire. There were also eight to nine hand crews, with around 15 firefighters per crew.

By 2:45 p.m., Cal Fire officials said 25 acres had burned in the blaze heavily fueled by brush. Officials said there was potential for the fire to grow to 200 acres as it continues with a moderate rate of spread.

According to Cal Fire, as of 4 p.m., the fire had burned 45 acres and mandatory evacuations were ordered.

Evacuees were directed to go to Great Oak High School on Deer Hallow Way in Tememcula or Vallecitos Elementary School on Fifth Street in Rainbow.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Pala Temecula Rd. will be closed off for everyone except resident between Pala Mission Rd. and Pechanga until at least 10 a.m. Wednesday, CHP said.

About 1200 gallons of retardant was used to slow down the spread of the fire.

There have been no injuries reported.

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