The Macy Fire was first reported around 5:40 p.m. in the area of Macy Street and Orange Street in the El Cariso neighborhood of unincorporated Lake Elsinore. It was spreading rapidly after a day in which temperatures hit the triple digits in the Inland Empire.
Footage from the scene showed the flames tearing through brush on hillsides overlooking residential neighborhoods. Structures were also seen burning.
Evacuations were happening in the area south of Grand Avenue, south of Orange Street and west of Ortega Highway.
One firefighter was also treated for an unspecified injury.
An evacuation center was established at Elsinore High School, 21800 Canyon Drive, Wildomar.