The Henderson Fire is growing at Camp Pendleton and causing the closure of Interstate 5.
The California Highway Patrol announced Friday afternoon that the fire prompted all northbound lanes to be closed near Vandergrift Boulevard.
Officials say Santa Ana winds are pushing the fire westward with possibly heavy smoke and reduced visibility.
As of 12 p.m. Friday, the fire has grown to just over 2,000 acres and is 0% contained.
The fire was first reported just before 2 p.m. Thursday and by the evening it had burned more than 1,000 acres. The fire rapidly grew in size and pushed west, prompting a brief freeway shutdown during the afternoon commute and creating a traffic nightmare for drivers traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles.
The cause has not yet been determined and is under investigation.
🚨 TRAFFIC ADVISORY | 10/16/26 – 11:50 AM 🔥 HENDERSON FIRE ⛔ N/B FULL FREEWAY CLOSURE NOW IN EFFECT on I-5 at Vandergrift Boulevard due to the Henderson Fire on Camp Pendleton. Santa Ana winds are pushing the fire westward. Heavy smoke and reduced visibility are possible.
— CHP Oceanside Area (@CHP_Oceanside) October 16, 2026
