Horseshoe Fire: Evacuation orders lifted after blaze burns 490 acres in Riverside County's Juniper Flats

ByLeanne Suter and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, September 16, 2019
Horseshoe Fire burns 490 acres in Juniper Flats; evacuation orders lifted
Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted for the Horseshoe Fire in Riverside County, which has scorched at least 490 acres.

JUNIPER FLATS, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire in the Juniper Flats community of Riverside County burned 490 acres as the blaze's containment level remained at 30 percent, officials announced.

All mandatory evacuation orders were lifted Sunday afternoon, affecting about 200 people who live in the area near the 21000 block of Horseshoe Trail, according to Cal Fire.

The fast-moving Horseshoe Fire erupted shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday near the 21000 block of Stagecoach Trail, prompting the evacuation of about 60 homes.

"You hear about other fires everywhere else," said Michael Johnson, who evacuated his home. "I never thought it would happen so close to my home."

No injuries or structural damage have been reported.

The acreage update represented a near doubling of the size of the fire, which had been reported as 250 acres on Sunday morning. Strong winds and dry ground helped spread the flames.

About 235 firefighters were assigned to the burn area, supported by two air tankers, a helicopter and three water tenders, the Riverside County Fire Department said.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.