An evacuation order was issued Monday as firefighters battled a brush fire that broke out in the Aguanga area of Riverside County, not far from Temecula.
CalFire said the fire, dubbed the Highland Fire, was first reported at 12:37 p.m. between Highland Road and Aguanga Ranchos Road. As of 7:51 p.m., the fire, described as “burning at a moderate rate,” had grown to 1,219 acres.
At least one house was destroyed by the fire. No injuries were reported.
Multiple departments responded to fight the fire, including Corona, Hemet, Murrieta, Palm Springs fire stations and the United States Forest Service.
Evacuations
Residents of the following areas have been ordered to leave their homes:
- South of Sage/Golden Eagle Drive
- East of Becker Lane
- West of Boulder Vista
- North of Cottonwood Creek
- South of Highway 371
- West of Soreson
- North of County Line Road
In the meantime, an evacuation warning has been issued for the following areas:
- East of Vail Lake Complex
- West of Shirley Way
- North of David Street
- South of Pueblo Road/Exa Ely Road
- West of the Cahuilla Tribal Reservation boundary
- North of County Line Road
Shelters
Residents under orders and warnings will be able to take shelter at Great Oak High School in Temecula. The address of this center is 32555 Deer Hollow Way.
Those with large animals can take them to the San Jacinto Animal Shelter for safety. The shelter is located at 581 S. Grand Ave.
Weather report
The fire comes as several Southern California counties are under a red flag amid blustery Santa Ana winds. The National Weather Service warned the region of critical fire danger conditions as gusts moved through SoCal.