AI Image
Camp Pendleton fires shut down I-5 for second day
NBC 7 San Diego • • nation
Key Points:
- Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in San Diego and Orange counties amid hot, dry Santa Ana wind conditions, including the 2,000-acre Henderson Fire on Camp Pendleton and the Norte Fire in San Clemente, which has destroyed several homes.
- The Henderson Fire caused repeated closures of Interstate 5 and evacuations on the military base, with 20% containment achieved by Friday evening; smoke advisories remain for nearby communities.
- The Norte Fire rapidly expanded to nearly 500 acres, prompting evacuations in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, the opening of evacuation centers, and early school dismissals.
- The smaller Scales Fire near San Onofre led to campground evacuations and train service disruptions between Orange County and San Diego, burning about 20 acres by early afternoon.
- Santa Ana wind conditions have increased fire danger across the region, with high wind warnings and heat advisories in effect, creating extreme wildfire risk in inland areas through the weekend.
