A pair of fast-burning wildfires broke out Sunday in Riverside County, quickly scorching about 1,000 acres of brush, causing evacuations and burning multiple structures.
South of downtown Riverside, the Hawarden Fire had burned about 500 acres by late afternoon, according to Steve McKinster, deputy chief of the Riverside Fire Department.
Video from the scene showed several burned homes and residents fleeing the area.
The fire broke out around 1 p.m., spread quickly and prompted evacuations — “1,500 homes surround the area,” McKinster said at a news conference Sunday night. Three structures were destroyed and four were damaged, he said, but no injuries were reported.
There were 50 trucks battling the blaze and authorities said the fight would continue through the night.
“It’s a scary day here in Riverside,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “It’s going to be a very long night.”
Riverside officials issued an evacuation order for the areas around Eagle Crest Court, Chartwell Drive, Horace Street and Hawarden Drive. A reception center was set up at the Orange Terrace Community Center, 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway.
“Police patrols will be in place throughout the night in evacuation zones and areas affected by the fire,” firefighters announced around 8:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Eagle Fire broke out around 2:15 p.m. at Cajalco and Eagle Canyon roads, east of Corona. The blaze prompted evacuation orders and warnings, according to Cal Fire. The fire burned uncontrolled for several hours, blackening about 500 acres, according to Cal Fire.
According to the agency, there were about 175 people fighting the blaze on Sunday night, with 28 trucks and a helicopter dropping water. But by 9:30 p.m., the fire's advance had stopped and was 25% contained. All evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings.
Fire threatens homes in Riverside Sunday afternoon.
(On stage.TV)
Smoke from the two fires prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a smoke advisory until 2 p.m. Monday. Particulate pollution levels near the fires reached unhealthy levels, the agency said.
