A wildfire burning in Riverside County has prompted evacuations as fire crews battle the blaze Friday night.
The “Hills Fire” was first reported at around 2:15 p.m. near Juniper Flats Road and Mapes Road in Homeland.
By 3:30 p.m., the fire had burned around 100 acres, according to CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department.
By 5:40 p.m., the forward rate had stopped at around 71 acres with zero percent containment. By 9:30 p.m., the fire was 25 percent contained and by 11 p.m., it was 50 percent contained.
By Saturday morning at 8 a.m., the fire was 75 percent contained.
“Firefighters worked overnight strengthening containment lines,” officials said. “Extensive mop-up exists and smoke is still visible from one of the ridge tops within the burn as firefighters work to extinguish a hot spot. Resources will be on-scene throughout the day working on full control of the fire.
Evacuation orders for these areas were reduced to evacuation warnings:
- North of Falcon View Lane
- South of Juniper Flats Road
- East of Alicante Drive
- West of Minton Road
Two local shelters were opened for evacuees at:
- Tahquitz High School – 4425 Titan Trail, Hemet, 92545
- Riverside County Animal Shelter – 581 S Grand Ave San Jacinto 92582
Fire crews are working to extinguish the blaze and air crews are dropping water and fire retardant on the flames.
“Residents may return home; please drive with caution as firefighters continue working in the area,” officials said. “Firefighters will remain on-scene overnight and tomorrow working on strengthening containment lines and mopping up hot spots.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More information on the Hills Fire can be found here.
An extreme heatwave paired with dry conditions continues covering most of Southern California this weekend, with fire officials warning the public to refrain from igniting fireworks or anything that could spark a fire.
Poor air quality warnings are in effect for most of the Southland through July 10 due to a combination of July 4 fireworks, wildfires and smog, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Air quality is expected to reach “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy levels” across inland regions:
- AQI will likely reach “Very Unhealthy” in Redlands, San Bernardino, Glendora, and surrounding areas through July 10, possibly beyond
- AQI will likely reach “Unhealthy” or higher levels in Santa Clarita, Upland, Ontario, Chino, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Banning, the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains and surrounding areas
- AQI will likely reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or higher levels in the Coachella Valley, the Corona area, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley
This developing story will be updated.