Fire spreading rapidly in Anza; homes evacuated

ANZA, Calif. (KABC) -- A fire that began at a motor home quickly spread to nearby vegetation and grew to about 500 acres Monday near Highway 74 east of Highway 371 in Anza.

The fire was reported at about 11:45 a.m. CAL FIRE/Riverside County firefighters initially said the flames have the potential to spread to more than 1,000 acres, but the fire stayed at half that size.

More than 350 firefighters, five helicopters and seven air tankers were dispatched to the scene.

At 3:45 p.m., the fire was 10 percent contained.

Although no structures were immediately threatened, homes east of Paradise Valley Cafe were being evacuated as a precaution. That included residences on Hialeah Way, Pimlico Drive, Arlington Road, Paradise Drive and Church Hill Downs Wood Blue.

One person, who lived in the motor home, suffered first and second degree burns and was taken to a hospital. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.

The American Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Hamilton High School at 57430 Mitchell Road in Anza, but was later closed as residents were asked to shelter in place.