Evacuations ordered as Riverside County crews battle 75-acre Volcano Fire near Murrieta
Riverside County firefighters battled a brush fire burning near Murrieta on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire, which crews dubbed the Volcano Fire, was reported at around 2:50 p.m. near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road in the La Cresta area, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Firefighters say that the blaze has burned about 78 acres of medium brush and is 0% contained.
"Multiple air and ground resources are assigned," firefighters said. They said that 10 additional engines and aircraft were requested to assist with the firefight.
The blaze is burning adjacent to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, a popular hiking location in the area.
Aerial footage showed the fire burning dangerously close to at least one home, where firefighters were stationed in the driveway. The property was surrounded by the reddish-pink remnants of fire retardant drops from firefighting aircraft.
Evacuation orders and warnings
As of 4:30 p.m., firefighters have issued mandatory evacuation orders for:
- RVC-2145
- RVC-2146
- RVC-2147
- RVC-2197
- RVC-2198-B
- RVC-2243
- RVC-2244
- RVC-2245
Evacuation warnings are also in place for:
- RVC-2076
- RVC-20177
- RVC-2143-A
- RVC-2144
- RVC-2198
- RVC-2246
- RVC-2292
A map of evacuations is available here.
California Highway Patrol officers closed Tenaja Road from Avocado Mesa to Avenida La Cresta so firefighting apparatus could reach the area without interference. Los Gatos and Carancho Road were also completely closed.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
