Some residents of Jurupa Valley were forced to leave their homes on Saturday afternoon due to a wind-driven brush fire in Riverside County. The fire was first noticed burning in a riverbed close to the intersection of Indian Camp Road and Candle Light Drive at around 3:50 p.m.
The fire subsequently spread beyond the riverbank under the influence of high winds and threatened a number of homes in a neighborhood.
The Union Fire, as it was later known, covered 95 acres by 6:05 p.m. and had no containment.
There were reports of thick smoke spreading throughout the region, reaching into the city of Riverside. As multiple structures were deemed to be in danger, Riverside County fire officials said that mandatory evacuation orders had been put in place close to the region where the fire was burning.
The urgent evacuation of residents living south of Limonite Avenue, north of Riverview Drive, east of Avenue Juan Diaz, and west of Maverick Lane was ordered.
All evacuation orders have been changed to warnings by 10 p.m. on Saturday. Large flames could be seen burning just feet away from many homes in a residential area in a video taken at the scene. Firefighters managed to prevent any serious damage from occurring to any homes despite the close call.
For individuals who were evacuated, a shelter was established at Patriot High School, 4355 Camino Real in Jurupa Valley. Around 8 p.m., Cal Fire authorities reported that the fire’s forward movement had halted and that it was holding at 110 acres with 0% containment.
The principal agency in charge of the fire response is Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department, with assistance from numerous nearby fire agencies.
