A fast-spreading fire near Lake Elsinore on Thursday forced the evacuation of dozens of homes and consumed more than 130 acres, according to Cal Fire.
The Macy's Fire burst into the vegetation near Macy and Orange streets around 5:40 p.m. An evacuation order was issued for dozens of homes west of Grand Avenue as the fire spread.
People watch the flames on a nearby hillside in Lake Elsinore.
(On stage.TV)
TO search map Images provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection show structures affected by the order. An evacuation center was set up at Elsinore High School, at 21800 Canyon Drive in Wildomar, for those forced to leave their homes, Cal Fire said.
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, 200 firefighters were battling a blaze that was 0% uncontained. The blaze closed Highway 74 from Grand Avenue to the Orange County line, and Grand Avenue from Machado Street to Maiden Lane.
A video from OnScene.TV showed flames spreading up a hillside a short distance from homes. Planes and helicopters dropped fire retardant.
“We have a massive fire here,” said resident Michelle Mattson as flames raced up the hillside behind her. “It broke through this ridge right here and there are houses right on the other side.”
