Brush fires in Riverside County prompt evacuation orders and warnings; at least 5 people injured
JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Two brush fires are burning in Riverside County on Tuesday, triggering evacuation warnings and orders for residents.
Bain Fire in Jurupa Valley
A brush fire that erupted Tuesday in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley expanded rapidly in the direction of homes, leaving four people injured and prompting mandatory evacuations.
The blaze -- dubbed the Bain Fire -- was reported at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday on the north side of the dry channel, in the area of Bain Street and Limonite Avenue, just north of the Hidden Valley Nature Center, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said numerous engine and hand crews from the county, Riverside Fire Department and surrounding agencies responding to a mutual aid request were sent to the location, encountering wind-driven flames moving at a moderate rate through thick brush.
The fire has already scorched at least 600 acres and is 0% contained, according to CAL FIRE.
Flames were spreading quickly towards homes in the area of Arlington and Western avenues, prompting evacuation orders for dozens of residents in that area.
Evacuation Orders were issued for the following zones:
- JUR-0180
- RIV-0306
- RIV-0307
Evacuation Warnings were issued for the following zones:
- JUR-0176-A
- NOR-0304-A
- NOR-0305-B
- NOR-0442-B
- RIV-0308
- RIV-0309
- RIV-0443-B
- RIV-0445
- RIV-0447
Click here to see if you are located within an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Warning.
An evacuation center has opened at the La Sierra Senior Center located at 5215 La Sierra Ave. Bldg. A, in Riverside.
Roads are closed at Arlington Avenue, Mitchell Avenue and Arlington Avenue at Substation Road/Crestview Drive.
Three residents suffered smoke inhalation injuries, while another person suffered unspecified traumatic injuries, according to reports from the scene. The latter victim was taken to a Riverside hospital for treatment. The other parties reportedly did not require further treatment after they were assessed by paramedics.
At least two Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher just after 1 p.m.
There was no word on what might have triggered the fire. The river bottom is teeming with homeless encampments, and debris, cooking and warming fires occur year-round.
Verona Fire in Juniper Springs
Meanwhile, another fire -- dubbed the Verona Fire -- burned in the Juniper Springs area in Riverside County and had scorched at least 200 acres as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Verona Fire prompted evacuations as it burned in the area of Verona Lane and Juniper Springs Road.
Evacuation Orders were issued for the following zones:
- RVC-1185
- RVC-1186
- RVC-1187
- RVC-1285
Evacuation Warnings were issued for the following zones:
- RVC-1076
- RVC-1077
- HMT-1188
- HMT-1189
- HMT-1292
- RVC-1286
For a map of the evacuation areas, click here.
According to the Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit, one firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The cause of both fires is under investigation.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
City News Service contributed to this report.
