The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Evacuations ordered after fire grows past 320 acres
Evacuation orders were issued for an area of west San Jacinto on Monday after a brush fire spread near the Ramona Expressway, authorities said.
The fire was first reported about 2 p.m. near the expressway and Warren Road, according to the Cal Fire/ Riverside County Fire Department. The blaze, dubbed the Ramona fire, had spread to about 10 acres. Just before 6 p.m., the fire agency said the blaze had grown to 150 acres with no containment. A few hours later the fire was measured at 328 acres with 20% containment.
About 33 fire engines were at the fire, with additional ground and air assistance, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Jody Hagemann.
Additional engines had also been called to assist. Cal Fire/riverside said about 180 firefighters were assigned to the blaze.
No structures were burning at around 6 p.m., though some were threatened, Hagemann said. An
estimate on how close the blaze was to surrounding structures was not immediately available, though Cal Fire Capt. Richard Cordova suggested the flames could affect residential areas, including the Cove neighborhood.
Evacuation orders were in effect for areas south of Upperline Avenue, west of Warren Road, north of Cottonwood Avenue and east of Beech Street.
Evacuation warnings were also in place west of Warren Road, north of Esplanade Avenue, south of Cottonwood Avenue and east of Beech Street.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were assisting firefighters, going door-to-door evacuating residents, Cordova said.
A care center was opened for evacuees at Tahquitz High School, 4425 Titan Trail, in Hemet.
Warren Road was closed between Esplanade Avenue and Ramona Expressway.
No injuries were reported. It wasn’t immediately known what caused the fire.