Highland Fire in Riverside County grows to 2,487 acres, more evacuation orders issued
AGUANGA, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters on Tuesday battled two wildfires in Riverside County as red flag warnings were extended for many parts of Southern California, triggered by strong winds and dry conditions.
Highland Fire burns in Aguanga
A fire that erupted in Aguanga had scorched an estimated 1,219 acres, but by Tuesday morning, it doubled in size to 2,200 acres and triggered more evacuation orders.
By Tuesday evening its rate of spread was being slowed but it had grown to 2,487 acres, with 10% containment. Full containment was projected to Nov. 8.
Three structures have been destroyed by the Highland Fire and six others were damaged. It's unclear if they were homes or another type of building.
Firefighters said while it was still windy Tuesday, conditions had improved from the powerful winds that were spreading the flames on Monday.
"We still may get some growth today but we're not seeing the explosion we saw yesterday," said Jeff La Russo with Calfire.
The blaze was reported just before 1 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction of Highways 79 and 371, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Later in the afternoon, the flames crossed Highway 371, moving west-southwest, heading toward residences in the 45100 and 45800 blocks of Highway 371, according to officials.
Highland Fire evacuations
The Highland Fire prompted evacuation orders to be issued for the area encompassing Boulder Vista Street to the west, Becker Lane to the east, Cottonwood Creek to the north, Golden Eagle Drive to the south, Highway 371 to the south, Soreson to the west, and County Line Road to the north.
On Tuesday, evacuation orders were handed down for the area north of the San Diego County Line, south of Highway 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail.
According to the Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire, 1,139 residents have been evacuated from the immediate area of the blaze. Also, another 489 residents in the surrounding area near the fire were urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
An evacuation warning was issued for the area encompassing Shirley Way to the west, the Vail Lake Resort to the east, David Street to the north, Pueblo Road to the south, Cahuilla Tribal Reservation Boundary to the west, County Line Road to the north, Cleveland National Forest to the north, Watts Road to the south, Esplendida Way, Avenida Bravura, Pauba Road to the east, De Portola Road, and Round Top Canyon Road to the west.
CHP officers shut down Highway 79 at County Line Road for public safety. The 79/371 junction was also closed, and motorists were being turned around.
Highland Fire evacuation map
Cal Fire created an interactive map of the evacuation zones for the Highland Fire.
A map of the evacuation zones can be found here.
Brush fire near Mt. Rubidoux
Meanwhile, another fire that started Monday night near Mt. Rubidoux burned about 30 acres. No structures were threatened by the flames.
No injuries were reported, but officials said two hikers were safely evacuated from the area after it ignited.
Winds abated enough overnight to allow fire crews to get a handle on the blaze. Forward progress was eventually stopped.
Red flag warnings in Southern California
The Santa Ana winds that whipped across the region contributed to the elevated fire danger, but the cause of both the fires remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, a red flag warning was extended until 2 p.m. Tuesday for many areas.
City News Service contributed to this report.
