Sandalwood Fire: 1 dead, 76 structures destroyed after fire sparked by burning trash rips through Calimesa mobile home park
CALIMESA, Calif. (KABC) -- City and county officials declared a local emergency after a wildfire erupted in Calimesa that killed one person and destroyed dozens of structures.
That fire, the Sandalwood Fire, had grown to 832 acres by Friday morning and was reported to be 10% contained. It began Thursday when a trash truck dumped burning garbage in the area, resulting in the loss of 76 structures, mainly homes at a hilltop mobile home park, fire officials confirmed. An additional 16 structures were damaged, nine moderately and five minimally.
The circumstances surrounding the fatality and those who are unaccounted for were not immediately clear. Investigators are still working to determine if any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the fire.
The flames from the burning pile of trash quickly spread and ignited nearby vegetation in flames, according to Cal Fire Riverside Capt. Fernando Herrera.
VIDEO: Man loses home in Sandalwood Fire on eve of his birthday
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for south of Seventh Street and east of County Line Road, officials said. Authorities warned that some road closures in the area could remain in effect through the end of the day.
A shelter for residents is open at Mesa Grande Academy at 975 Fremont St. An animal evacuation center was also set up for families with large and small animals. Animals may be taken to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, located at 581 S. Grand Ave.
Students were evacuated Thursday from nearby Mesa View Middle School and transported to Calimesa Elementary School in Yucaipa, where they were reunited with their parents, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Multiple agencies assigned a combined 250 firefighters to the incident, supported by two air tankers and a helicopter that were dropping Phos-Chek and water at the scene.
The flames were threatening the power grid and a railway in the area, Cal Fire said Thursday. A care and reception center was established at the Norton Younglove Multipurpose Senior Center, located at 908 Park Avenue in Calimesa.
A red flag warning had been in place in Riverside County and throughout the Southland since early Thursday morning.
Also in Riverside County, the Wolf Fire had grown to 75 acres by Friday afternoon and was 25% contained.
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