UPDATE 8/31: Full Containment Expected on Pala Fire

UPDATE 10:15 a.m. Aug. 31: The Pala Fire burning in San Diego County south of the Temecula Valley was expected to be fully contained by Wednesday, fire officials said.

Burning on Temecula-Pala Road and Moro Road, north of Pala, the fire was 90 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the website for Cal Fire, San Diego Unit.

It was mapped at 223 acres.

All road closures and evacuation orders were lifted, but an evacuation center remained open at the Jim Banks Sports Complex, 12194 Pala Mission Road. 

One person was injured in the fire, but it was unclear from the report what the extent of the injuries were or whether it was a firefighter or a citizen.

The costs of fighting the fire were at $1.4 million as of Wednesday.

--Maggie Avants

ORIGINAL POST Aug. 29:

As Cal Fire/Riverside County Firefighters get the upper hand on the , the Pala Fire in Pauma Valley continues to threaten.

As of 8:30 p.m. Monday, Cpt. Mike Mohler of Cal Fire/San Diego Fire Department reports the blaze has charred more than 350 acres and is 40 percent contained.

Mohler said the fire has not crossed into Riverside County, but the rugged terrain in the area is making it difficult to fight the blaze.

Mohler said the fire is still several miles from the Riverside County line.

Nearly 600 personnel are on the fire, and more resources are expected Tuesday.

The fire broke out this morning shortly after 10:30 a.m. in the area of Pala Temecula and Moro roads on the Pala Indian Reservation.

A car that struck a power pole ignited the blaze, Mohler said.  

There is no word yet on the condition of the driver, who is believed to be female.

The fire continues to threaten structures, but so far firefighters have managed to keep the flames at bay.

One firefighter suffered heat-related problems this afternoon but was not transported, according to a Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Department spokeswoman.

Earlier today, a reverse 911 precautionary warning was issued to all Pauma Valley residents. According to a Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Department dispatcher, the warning advised residents to take measures to move their livestock and pets out of the area. The dispatcher said the area is home to many horses.

Mohler said the blaze should serve as a reminder to all Southern California residents.

"It's not if, it's when we'll have a wildfire," he said. "You need to have your defensible space along with your evacuation plan in place."