Wildfire in Riverside County Spurs Evacuations

A fast moving, wind-driven wildfire in Riverside County that has charred thousands of acres and reportedly burned at least one structure prompted evacuation orders.  

The “Nixon Fire” was first reported in the area of Tule Valley Road and Richard Nixon Boulevard in Aguanga. 

The five-acre brush fire, according to officials with the Riverside County Fire Department, was burning at a “moderate to rapid rate of spread,” prompting requests for additional resources.  

A few hours later the blaze had grown to nearly 300 acres and was moving east, officials reported.  

A little more than four hours later, fire officials said the wildfire had grown to 2,700 acres with 0% containment. Officials reported that the fire had spread an additional 1,000 acres and remained 0% contained.

A temporary evacuation center was set up at Temecula Valley High School, located at 31555 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula. Officials said that animal services would be at the location to assist residents with animals.  

A searchable map of the evacuation orders and warnings can be found by following this link.  

As of the last update, some 255 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze, with two water-dropping helicopters, 44 engines, four bulldozers, three water tenders and eight hand crews.  

Also the Pioneer Fire has burned 33,277 acres northwest of Chelan, Washington, and is only 14% contained, according to the latest update from fire officials. The fire, which started on June 8, continues to pose a significant threat to surrounding communities and natural areas.

Level 3 evacuation orders, which indicate immediate danger, were extended and residents in these areas were advised to leave immediately.

Firefighters are using a combination of ground and air resources to tackle the blaze, but steep, rugged terrain is making access difficult.