Mesa Fire chars 350 acres in Pala

A blaze that charred 350 acres erupted for unknown reasons shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, off state Route 76, about a mile west of Pala Temecula Road in Pala near Couser Canyon.

As firefighters worked to corral the blaze, known as the Mesa Fire, authorities shut down the state highway between Horse Ranch Creek Road and Pala Casino about 4 miles to the east.

Due to the "dangerous rate of spread" evacuation warnings were issued with temporary evacuation points opened at Valley Center High School and the I-15 and State Route 76 Park and Ride.

Cal Fire was the lead agency and called in numerous resources from several agencies that responded, including North County Fire Protection District, according to Public Information Officer John Choi. Also working the fire were multiple aircraft and a strike team from Northern San Diego.

No structural damage or injuries were reported, and Cal Fire reported Wednesday evening that the spread of the fire had slowed considerably.

Residents of surrounding areas were advised to prepare to clear out of their homes on short notice should conditions worsen, but those initial evacuation warnings were lifted by Wednesday evening.

Cal Fire also announced at about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday that state Route 76 was reopened, though drivers traveling through the area were advised to use caution.

Firefighters made great progress through Wednesday night, and continued to build the containment lines Thursday.

Crews remained on scene for a few days for mop up operations and to make sure the blaze didn't flare back up.

The Mesa Fire was fully contained by Sunday morning.