RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif — Containment of the Highland Fire grew overnight but evacuation orders and warnings are still in place for some residents in Riverside County.
The wildfire has stayed at 2,487 acres, according to Cal Fire. Containment of the blaze is at 25%. Cal Fire said full containment is expected on Nov. 8.
The fire broke out near the intersection of Highland Road and Aguanga Ranchos Road in Aguanga around 12:45 p.m. Oct. 30.
The fire forced authorities to issue evacuation orders for thousands of residents and has since scaled back some of the evacuations. A full list of areas under evacuation orders and warnings is below.
Seven structures were destroyed and six others have been damaged. One firefighter has been injured.
Winds were forecast to remain in the area through Thursday evening and could spread the blaze west and southwest, the Riverside County Fire Department said.
The Highland Fire erupted as Southern California experienced its first significant Santa Ana wind conditions of the season. The witheringly dry winds typically form as air flows from the interior of the West and descends to the Pacific Coast during the fall, often stoking destructive wildfires.
Air tankers, helicopters and bulldozers were called in to fight the fire, one of the few large and active blazes to have erupted so far in California this year.
Links to follow
Evacuation Order
An evacuation order is in effect for the following locations as of 8 a.m. Thursday.
- North of Riverside/San Diego County Line
- East of Crosley Truck Trail
- South of Cottonwood School Road
- West of Sorenson Road
Evacuation Warning
An evacuation warning is in effect for the following locations as of 8 a.m. Thursday.
- North of Cottonwood School Road
- East of Becker Lane
- South of Wilson Valley Road
- West of Wildwood Lane
- North of Riverside/San Diego County Line
- East of Vail Lake
- South of Wilson Valley Road extending west to Vail Lake
- West of Crosley Truck Trail
Evacuation Map
An evacuation map for Riverside County is available below.
Animal Shelters
Large and small animals can be taken to San Jacinto Animal Shelter at 581 South Grand Avenue in San Jacinto. People who need help with animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387.
Road Closures
- Highway 79 from Vail Lake to San Diego County Line
- Sage Road from Highway 79 to Wilson Valley Road
- Willson Valley Road from Sage Road to Highway 371
- Highway 371 from Highway 79 to Wilson Valley Road
Wildfire Map
This map from ESRI shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load).
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2022 fire season was quieter than previous years, but there were still several significant fires. January 2022 saw just one major incident with the Colorado Fire in Monterey County burning 687 acres. Fires picked up in May when the Lost Lake Fire burned through 5,856 acres. The largest fire in 2022, the Mosquito Fire, started in early September. It burned through more than 76,000 acres in El Dorado and Placer counties.
Overall, 331,360 acres burned in 2022 from 7,477 wildfires — well below the five-year average of 2.3 million acres. Over 870 structures were affected and nine people were killed, all civilians.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
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