Forest Fire Near Lake Henshaw Is 55% Contained

SANTA YSABEL, CA — A wildfire burning in Cleveland National Forest near Lake Henshaw was 55% contained Sunday after charring 689 acres, officials said.

"Firefighters worked hard overnight and successfully increased the containment to 55%," Cal Fire officials said Sunday morning. "Crews will continue building and improving the containment line today."

Firefighters continued patrolling the fire's perimeter and extinguishing remaining hot spots despite temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Saturday.

"Crews are working diligently in the extreme heat to strengthen containment lines, identify hidden sources of heat, and keep the fire securely within its established perimeter," Cal Fire said. "Their efforts remain focused on increasing containment and protecting nearby communities."

The fire was reported at 1:30 p.m. Friday near the 25700 block of East Grade Road, north of state Route 76 and west of state Route 79 near the community of Santa Ysabel, prompting evacuations of back-country neighborhoods as ground and airborne crews worked to extinguish the flames.

Evacuation orders were lifted at 9:21 p.m. Friday, according to Cal Fire.

No injuries or structural damage was reported.

A road closure remained in effect Sunday on East Grade Road at SR-76.

The forest is not under fire restrictions, but the public was asked to use caution with anything that can spark a fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The incident was being handled by a unified command consisting of Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service.

— City News Service