Brush fire in Perris burns homes, prompts evacuations
PERRIS, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire in Perris Tuesday damaged and destroyed some homes, and prompted evacuations for residents as firefighters raced to contain the flames.
The blaze was reported at about 2:30 p.m. in the area of Juniper and Santa Rosa Mine roads, between Gavilan Hills and Perris, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Several residences and multiple outbuildings were initially in the path of the fire, but around 4:30 p.m., fire retardant drops by the tankers had significantly slowed the brusher, and no homes were under immediate threat, according to officials at the scene. Crews later reported stopping the blaze's forward rate of spread.
The blaze, dubbed the Juniper Fire, has burned about 55 acres, with 5% containment. At least two homes appeared to have suffered major damage, but crews are still assessing structures.
With assistance from sheriff's deputies, fire officials implemented mandatory evacuations, and about 88 homes were impacted. Fire officials hours later lifted the evacuation order and downgraded it to a warning, but a small area was still closed off to residents.
The fire department urged residents to be cautious when returning to their homes. Crews were expected to stay at the scene throughout the night.
The cause of the blaze is unknown.
Another brush fire erupted in the Inland Empire shortly after the Juniper Fire. Crews responded to the area of Nice Avenue and Amethyst Street in Mentone around 3:30 p.m. to contain the Nice Fire.
The Nice Fire forced road closures in the area and charred about 90 acres, but officials said flames weren't threatening structures. No evacuations have been issued, and the blaze is listed as 10% contained as of Tuesday evening.
WATCH: Crews battle brush fire in Mentone
City News Service contributed to this report.
