A massive wildfire threatened homes in Beaumont Friday afternoon as evacuations were ordered.
Named the “Highland Fire,” the flames were reported near South Highland Springs and Breckenridge Avenues shortly before 3 p.m.
Crews from Cal Fire and Riverside County Fire Department responded to the area as the blaze grew to around 225 acres.
By 6 p.m., the flames cooled a bit and were mapped at around 105 acres with zero percent containment. Around 7:45 p.m. containment was around 20 percent with the forward rate of spread being stopped.
Fire officials said the area is home to many senior citizens.
“It’s not just scary about the fire but it’s also about the smoke,” said Margaret Ortiz, a Beaumont resident. “And we who have long-COVID have breathing issues and it’s really scary, it’s frightening. Then there’s that fire over Moreno Valley, so we’re encompassed.”
Evacuations were ordered west of South Highland Home, south of Sun Lakes and east of Highland Springs.
The evacuation order for homes on Breckinridge Avenue between Highland Springs Avenue and Sunningdale was later reduced to an evacuation warning around 7:45 p.m.
Sky5 video showed air tankers along with ground crews working quickly to extinguish the blaze.
Some burning hot spots were located dangerously close to a large tract of homes. Fire protection groups are also on the scene monitoring the flames’ proximity to residences.
“We want the rain, but it’s a double-edged sword,” said Capt. Richard Cordova with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire. “When we do get the rain, we get the grasses here in Riverside County. We’re seeing grasses anywhere between six to eight feet tall in some areas so just lots and lots of grass out there,” which becomes fuel for wildfires.
The Highland Fire is among several fires that broke out in the Inland Empire on Friday afternoon including the Rabbit Fire and the Reche Fire.
The wildfires arrive as countless Californians are under excessive heat warnings or advisories with sizzling triple-digit temperatures in the forecast ahead.
Meteorologists say several spots, including the Inland Empire, won’t see much cooling down, even in the evenings.
Health officials are urging residents to take the necessary precautions including staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable neighbors, friends and family, and avoiding outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day.